After a bumpy start to 2025 for everyone else but OptionsPlayers, U.S. stock futures are rebounding this Friday morning, signaling potential recovery after Thursday’s downturn. Wall Street traders are closely watching economic data, including manufacturing activity reports, which could set the tone for market momentum under the incoming Trump administration. In other news, President Biden is expected to block the controversial sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, as reported by the Washington Post. Here’s a breakdown of today’s key market movers:
1. Futures Edge Higher
Stock futures ticked up Friday, with Dow futures rising by 85 points (0.2%), S&P 500 futures gaining 19 points (0.3%), and Nasdaq 100 futures climbing 97 points (0.5%) as of early morning.
Yesterday’s session saw losses across all major indices, driven in part by a 6% drop in Tesla shares following its first annual sales decline despite aggressive price cuts. However, labor data showing a drop in unemployment claims has fueled optimism, hinting at the possibility of stable interest rates at the Federal Reserve’s next meeting.
2. ISM Manufacturing PMI in Focus
Investors will closely examine the December U.S. factory activity report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Projections suggest a slight dip to 48.2 from November’s 48.4, signaling a continued contraction in the manufacturing sector for the eighth consecutive month.
With new orders showing signs of growth and input costs easing in late 2024, traders are eager to see if the pro-business policies of the incoming administration will accelerate industrial recovery.
3. Biden Expected to Block U.S. Steel Sale
President Biden is set to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, according to the Washington Post. The decision comes amid concerns about national steel supply and the potential loss of U.S. manufacturing capacity.
The move aligns with opposition from lawmakers and the United Steelworkers Union, highlighting the administration’s commitment to safeguarding domestic industry and jobs.
4. Bitcoin Stages Recovery
Bitcoin is inching upward after a volatile start to the year, driven by optimism around potentially friendlier crypto regulations under the Trump administration. While broader crypto markets remain cautious following significant profit-taking at the end of 2024, Bitcoin is showing resilience, recovering from its holiday lows.
Tether’s declining market capitalization, linked to Europe’s regulatory changes, remains a key watchpoint for traders navigating the crypto landscape in 2025.
5. Oil on Track for Weekly Gains
Oil prices are stabilizing after closing at two-month highs Thursday, supported by hopes of economic stimulus in China. Both WTI and Brent crude futures have risen, reflecting optimism about increased liquidity and growth in the world’s largest oil importer.
China’s President Xi Jinping has pledged more proactive policies, and reports suggest the Chinese central bank could lower interest rates this year to stimulate growth further.
OptionsPlayers: Starting 2025 Strong
Congrats, OP Members, on starting the year as winners! All of our systems delivered profitable trades, and our alert play nailed it again. Today marks the first Secret Sauce Livestream trading session of the year with Greg, offering more opportunities to grow your trading portfolio.
If you’re not already in the action but want to learn more, email steve@optionsplayers.com for details. Don’t miss today’s upgrades, downgrades, and chat ideas as we dive into another exciting trading day!
Let’s stack those gains together!
If you want to get the plays of the day then signup for Gold, and get a FREE TRIALIf you want to get the plays of the day then signup for Gold, and get a FREE TRIAL
Responses