5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

U.S. stock futures are higher on optimism over President-elect Trump’s selection of Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary; bitcoin (BTCUSD) is above $98,000 and MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares are jumping in premarket trading as the cryptocurrency continues to hover near record levels; Super Micro Computer (SMCI) stock is rising further, building on last week’s momentum from meeting Nasdaq filing requirements; Peabody Energy (BTU) stock is dropping after the U.S. firm said it was buying nearly $3.8 billion of steelmaking coal assets from London-listed Anglo American; and Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) stock is soaring after announcing a pair of successful launches. Here’s what investors need to know today.

1. US Stock Futures Rise as Markets React to Treasury Secretary Selection

U.S. stock futures are rising as investors cheer Donald Trump’s selection of Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary on optimism that he will be able to implement the President-elect’s policies without disrupting markets. After closing at a record high on Friday, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are 0.6% higher, while Nasdaq futures are up by a similar percentage and S&P 500 futures are 0.5% higher. The early surge kicks off a holiday-shortened trading week, with markets closed Thursday for Thanksgiving.

2. Bitcoin in Focus as Cryptocurrency Stays Near $100,000 Level

Investors continue to watch bitcoin (BTCUSD) price levels as the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization is holding steady after trading above $98,000 over the weekend. Since Trump’s presidential election victory on Nov. 5, bitcoin has surged around 40% amid expectations of a crypto-friendly administration. Year to date, the cryptocurrency has soared about 130%. Meanwhile, MicroStrategy (MSTR) stock is 6% higher in premarket trading as shares of the software firm continue to surge on its strategy to purchase bitcoin. Shares have risen about 90% through Friday’s close since the day before the election.

3. Super Micro Computer Stock Continues Surge Following Compliance Plan

Shares of Super Micro Computer (SMCI) are surging by more than 6% in premarket trading as the server maker continues to climb in the wake of a compliance plan filed a week ago to stave off delisting from the Nasdaq. The company also got a shoutout from partner and artificial intelligence (AI) stalwart Nvidia (NVDA) in the chipmaker’s earnings call last Wednesday. While Supermicro shares have soared roughly 80% since Nov. 15, they still are down significantly from their March highs, having taken a hit from regulatory concerns following allegations of accounting manipulation and filing delays.

4. Peabody Energy Stock Down on Deal to Buy Steelmaking Coal Assets

Peabody Energy (BTU) stock is 3% lower in premarket trading after the U.S. firm said it was buying nearly $3.8 billion of steelmaking coal assets in Australia from the London-listed mining giant Anglo American, which is restructuring its business after rejecting several takeover bids by rival BHP. Peabody, which emerged from bankruptcy seven years ago, said the assets would help it cater to demand from Asia, which has driven most of the global steel demand in the past decade. The news of the sale is lifting Anglo American’s stock by almost 2%.

5. Rocket Lab USA Stock Soars After Pair of Successful Launches

Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) stock is jumping 9% in premarket trading after the SpaceX competitor announced two successful launches within 24 hours, touting its turnaround capability. The company deployed five satellites for French Internet-of-Things operator Kinéis from a launch facility in New Zealand less than 22 hours after completing a launch from its Virginia facility. The Long Beach, Calif.-based company also said it was getting a $23.9 million government grant under the CHIPS Act to expand semiconductor manufacturing capability at its facility in Albuquerque, N.M.

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