U.S. futures were higher on Friday morning as investors awaited the release of April’s job report. Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent decision to maintain steady interest rates has added to the positives, suggesting that the rates may have peaked and could decline in the upcoming months. The futures on the Nasdaq 100 (NDX), S&P 500 (SPX), and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) were up by about 0.51%, 0.23%, and 0.61%, respectively, at 2.28 a.m. EST, May 3.
In after-hours action, shares of the iPhone maker Apple (AAPL) were up over 6% after the company delivered better-than-expected second-quarter financials, announced a massive $110 billion buyback plan, and increased its quarterly dividend by 4% to $0.25 per share. Moreover, Block (SQ) stock increased 7.8% after the company crushed Street’s Q1 earnings forecast. Conversely, Cloudflare (NET) dropped over 14% as the company’s management provided conservative Q2 guidance.
On the earnings front, Hershey (HSY), Cboe Global Markets (CBOE), Cheniere Energy (LNG), and TC Energy (TRP) are prominent companies that will release their quarterly financials today.
Turning to the economic data, April’s jobs report, a crucial gauge of economic well-being, is due today.
In the mean time, the U.S. 10-year treasury yield was up at the time of writing, floating near 4.6%. At the same time, WTI crude oil futures trended higher, hovering near $79.19 per barrel as of the last check.
In Europe, markets could open flat as traders respond to corporate earnings reports and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent decision.
Asia-Pacific Markets’ Trading Volumes Were Light
Trading volumes in the Asia-Pacific markets were light as financial markets in China and Japan were closed due to public holidays.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was up 1.31% at the time of writing.
Interested in more economic insights? Tune in to our LIVE webinar.
