Dow Futures Rise Ahead Of Revised GDP Data

Stock index futures suggest that the Dow Jones and S&P 500 may open higher this morning, ahead of the latest GDP and jobless claims figures.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

LONDON — Stock index futures at 7am ET indicate that the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) may open up by 0.1% this morning, while the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) may open 1.5 points higher. CNN’s Fear & Greed Index remains in ‘extreme fear’ territory, and is set to open at 22 today, up from yesterday’s close of 18.

Stock markets have short memories, and after US markets closed higher last night, Asian markets made gains overnight and European markets edged higher this morning. London markets were lifted by an 8% gain for Vodafone Group, which has now openly admitted that it is in talks to sell its 45% stake in Verizon Wireless to its partner, Verizon Communications. According to a Bloomberg report, the deal is said to be worth $130bn, and Verizon is currently in discussions with banks to raise $60bn in financing. Elsewhere, France’s largest retailer, supermarket firm Carrefour SA, gained 4.1% after reporting a rise in sales. At 7am ET, the FTSE 100 was up 0.5%, the DAX was up 0.06% and the CAC 40 was up 0.1%.

In the US today, investors will be watching for this week’s initial jobless claims report, which is due at 8.30am ET and is expected to show that new unemployment benefit claims fell slightly to 330,000 last week, down from 336,000 during the previous week. Also at 8.30am, the revised second-quarter GDP reading is expected to show that the US economy grew at an annualised rate of 2.3% during the second quarter, up from an initial estimate of 1.7%.

Companies scheduled to report earnings before the markets open today include Campbell Soup, which is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings of $0.42 per share, and Genesco. Guess may also be in focus; shares in the apparel company rose by 17% in after-hours trading last night, after Guess reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $0.52 per share, beating analysts’ forecasts for $0.40 per share.

Verizon shares are also likely to be in demand; the telco’s share price was up 4.2% in pre-market trading following news of a possible deal with Vodafone. After markets close today, Salesforce.com is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.07 per share, while Splunk and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are also expected to update investors.

Finally, let’s not forget the Dow’s daily movements can add up to some serious long-term gains. Indeed, Warren Buffett recently wrote: “The Dow advanced from 66 to 11,497 in the 20th Century, a staggering 17,320% increase that materialized despite four costly wars, a Great Depression and many recessions.

If you, like Buffett, are convinced about the long-term power of the Dow, you should read “5 Stocks To Retire On“. Your long-term wealth could be transformed, even in this uncertain economy. Simply click here now to download this free, no-obligation report.

> Roland owns shares in Vodafone but does not own shares in any of the other companies mentioned in this article. The Motley Fool has recommended shares in Vodafone.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

Could the JD Sports Fashion share price double in the next five years?

The JD Sports Fashion share price has nearly halved in the past five years. Our writer thinks a proven business…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

If interest rate cuts are coming, I think these UK growth stocks could soar!

Falling interest could be great news for UK growth stocks, especially those that have been under the cosh recently. Paul…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Are these the best stocks to buy on the FTSE right now?

With the UK stock market on the way to hitting new highs, this Fool is considering which are the best…

Read more »

Petrochemical engineer working at night with digital tablet inside oil and gas refinery plant
Investing Articles

Can the Centrica dividend keep on growing?

Christopher Ruane considers some positive factors that might see continued growth in the Centrica dividend -- as well as some…

Read more »

Smiling family of four enjoying breakfast at sunrise while camping
Investing Articles

How I’d turn my £12,000 of savings into passive income of £1,275 a month

This Fool is considering a strategy that he believes can help him achieve a stable passive income stream with a…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

2 top FTSE 250 investment trusts trading at attractive discounts!

This pair of discounted FTSE 250 trusts appear to be on sale right now. Here's why I'd scoop up their…

Read more »

Smiling young man sitting in cafe and checking messages, with his laptop in front of him.
Investing Articles

3 things that could push the Lloyds share price to 60p and beyond

The Lloyds share price has broken through 50p. Next step 60p? And then what? Here are some thoughts on what…

Read more »

Young female business analyst looking at a graph chart while working from home
Investing Articles

£1,000 in Rolls-Royce shares a year ago would be worth this much now

Rolls-Royce shares have posted one of the best stock market gains of the past 12 months. But what might the…

Read more »