5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

U.S. stock futures are rising after indexes plunged yesterday on political and economic uncertainty; Magnificent 7 stocks are gaining in premarket trading, led by Nvidia (NVDA) and Meta Platforms (META); Tesla (TSLA) reportedly is planning to launch a low-cost version of its Model Y in China; gold crossed the $3,000 threshold as traders look for safe havens; and Ulta Beauty (ULTA) shares are jumping after the retailer reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results. Here’s what investors need to know today.

1. US Stock Futures Advance After Selloff as Investors Watch for Consumer Data

U.S. stock futures are pointing higher as investors look to move past another market selloff on tariff concerns and political uncertainty, and focus on this morning’s release of consumer sentiment data. Nasdaq futures are 1.2% higher after the index declined 2% Thursday. S&P 500 futures are up almost 1% after the index closed in correction territory yesterday, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are 0.6% higher after also posting losses in the prior session. Bitcoin (BTCUSD) is more than 2% higher to trade above $83,000. Treasury yields and oil futures also are up.

2. Magnificent 7 Stocks Rebound After Tech Selloff

Magnificent 7 stocks are rebounding in premarket trading after the tech-focused group of stocks plunged during yesterday’s selloff. Nvidia (NVDA) shares, which have dropped 14% so far this year, are 2% higher after dipping slightly in the prior session. Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOGL) and Meta Platforms (META) were each higher by nearly 2%, while Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple (AAPL) edged slightly higher. Tesla (TSLA) shares also are gaining (see below).

3. Tesla Planning Low-Cost Model Y for Chinese Market, Report Says

Tesla shares are nearly 2% higher in premarket trading after a report that it is planning a low-cost version of its Model Y for the Chinese market. The crossover SUV will be smaller and cost 20% less to produce at the electric vehicle (EV) maker’s plant in Shanghai, according to Reuters. The move comes as Tesla has lost ground in its second-largest market amid a price war. Shares of Tesla, whose Model Y retails in China starting at 263,500 yuan ($36,430), have fallen back to pre-election levels. 

4. Gold Hits $3,000 for First Time

Gold futures have hit a record-high price of more than $3,000 an ounce, crossing a milestone threshold for the precious metal as investors move to the safe-haven asset amid increasing economic uncertainty. The yellow metal, which is often sought by investors during turbulent periods, has hit new high marks several times recently, surging amid escalating tariffs threats and weakening economic data. Gold futures are nearly 15% higher year-to-date.

5. Ulta Beauty Stock Surges on Better-Than-Expected Q4 Results

Ulta Beauty (ULTA) shares are surging 6.5% in premarket trading after the cosmetic product chain posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results. The retailer reported earnings per share (EPS) of $8.46 on net sales of $3.49 billion, ahead of Visible Alpha estimates of $7.13 and $3.46 billion, respectively. Comparable sales growth of 1.5% surpassed expectations of a 0.8% increase. Investors shrugged off the company’s 2025 outlook, which came in lower than projections. Ulta shares had fallen nearly 45% in the past 12 months entering Friday.

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