Markets Watch Trump-Fed Tensions While Tesla, 3M, and GE Prepare to Report
April 22, 2025 | OptionsPlayers Market Brief
U.S. stock futures pointed higher in premarket trading Tuesday, rebounding after a steep sell-off in the prior session driven by renewed fears that President Trump may be targeting the independence of the Federal Reserve.
All major indexes dropped over 2% on Monday after reports suggested the administration is considering removing Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Trump intensified criticism of Powell, labeling him a “major loser” and “Mr. Too Late” over his reluctance to aggressively cut rates. The Wall Street Journal noted that the President may be setting up Powell to take the fall for any economic fallout from his aggressive tariff strategies.
Market analysts warned that removing Powell would only be the first domino, and any move to fire the full Fed board could send the dollar tumbling while pushing long-term yields higher—risks that traders need to watch closely. Still, Capital Economics’ Paul Ashworth commented that if a qualified replacement is quickly installed, the market’s immediate reaction may be more contained than feared.
Earnings Spotlight: Tesla Leads Tech Season
Tesla kicks off tech earnings after the bell today with muted expectations. The EV giant is battling softening demand and ongoing backlash tied to Elon Musk’s political entanglements. Musk—currently overseeing the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—is expected to offer updates on Tesla’s affordable vehicle program and its long-awaited robotaxi rollout.
According to Vital Knowledge analysts, “Expect the usual Musk optimism, but don’t expect the fundamentals to change overnight.” Tesla’s results will set the tone for a loaded earnings week that also features Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta.
3M, PulteGroup, and Industrials Join the Earnings Parade
Before the open, 3M (NYSE:MMM) and PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM) report, providing key insights into how tariffs are impacting industrials and the housing market. D.R. Horton’s recent lowered guidance puts added pressure on PHM to shed light on what’s happening on the ground in real estate.
Other big names due to release earnings today include GE Aerospace, Verizon (NYSE:VZ), RTX, Danaher (NYSE:DHR), and Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT).
Fed Speakers Take the Stage
At least five Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak today, including Vice Chair Philip Jefferson and Governor Adriana Kugler. Traders will be looking for any hints on the Fed’s stance toward the administration’s recent rhetoric and how upcoming decisions might shift based on tariffs and inflation data. The next official interest rate decision is slated for May 7.
Gold Hits New Record Highs
Gold surged more than 3% Monday and continues climbing, hitting another record high Tuesday morning. The spike is fueled by heightened geopolitical tensions, central bank demand, and concerns over Trump’s pressure campaign on the Fed. The metal has now logged three consecutive record-setting sessions.
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