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U.S. stock futures are pointing higher on news of U.S.-China trade talks; the Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates unchanged as it concludes its two-day meeting today; Disney (DIS) stock is jumping in premarket trading after the company delivered better-than-expected results and lifted its full-year profit forecast; U.S.-listed shares of Novo Nordisk (NVO) are rising even though the Danish pharmaceutical maker lowered its full-year outlook; and Uber Technologies (UBER) stock is falling after the ridesharing firm missed revenue and gross bookings estimates. Here's what investors need to know today.
1. US Stock Futures Point Higher on News of U.S.-China Trade Talks
U.S. stock futures are pointing higher on news that the U.S. and China would begin trade talks, while market watchers prepare for today's Federal Reserve interest-rate decision. Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures all are about 0.6% higher after indexes fell for a second straight session yesterday. Bitcoin (BTCUSD) is surging 2% to trade at around $97,000. Yields on the 10-year Treasury note are little changed. Oil futures are rising while gold futures are declining.
2. Federal Reserve to Announce Interest-Rate Decision Today
The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged from their current range of 4.25% to 4.5% when it concludes its two-day meeting at 2 p.m. ET. Investors will be listening to the following press conference from Fed Chair Jerome Powell for indications on when the central bank may lower the federal funds rate. The Fed's decision comes as President Donald Trump has pressured Powell and the central bank to lower interest rates, which he says will help boost the economy as he begins to implement his tariff policies.
3. Disney Stock Soars on Better-Than-Expected Results, Profit Outlook Lift
Shares of The Walt Disney Company (DIS) are surging 6% in premarket trading after the media and entertainment giant delivered better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results as it grew its subscriber ranks. Disney reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.45 on revenue of $23.62 billion, while analysts had expected $1.20 and $23.17 billion, respectively, per Visible Alpha. The company reported growing its Disney+ streaming service subscriber base to 126.0 million, better than the 123.6 million that analysts had expected, and raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to $5.75, which would represent a 16% increase from fiscal 2024.
4. Novo Nordisk Stock Jumps Despite Lowered Full-Year Outlook
U.S.-listed shares of Novo Nordisk (NVO) are rising 5.5% in premarket trading even though the Danish pharmaceutical firm lowered its full-year outlook. The maker of blockbuster weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic now sees year-over-year sales growth of 13% to 21% and operating profit growth of 16% to 24% at constant exchange rates for 2025, down from prior forecasts of 16% to 24% and 19% to 27%, respectively. Novo Nordisk reported mixed first-quarter results, with EPS beating Visible Alpha estimates but net sales missing them.