U.S. Futures Dip Ahead of Mega-Cap Tech Earnings and Key Data

Futures Market at a Glance

U.S. stock futures edged broadly lower on Wednesday as investors braced for a week packed with mega-cap tech earnings and critical economic indicators:

• Dow futures: Flat

• S&P 500 futures: Down ~0.2%

• Nasdaq 100 futures: Down ~0.3%

Sentiment remains cautious despite Tuesday’s gains, which were fueled by signs of progress in White House tariff talks.

Mega-Cap Tech Earnings in Focus

This week, heavyweight names including Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) will unveil first-quarter results. Investors will watch:

• Revenue growth vs. analyst forecasts

• Ad spend trends at Meta

• Cloud-services margins at Microsoft

For a complete schedule of this week’s corporate reports, the Earnings Calendar API provides real-time dates and consensus estimates, helping traders pinpoint upcoming catalysts.

Key Economic Data Ahead

Alongside earnings, several macro releases are set to influence market direction:

• First-estimate Q1 GDP: Gauges overall growth

• Monthly jobs report: Reflects labor-market health

• PCE inflation data: The Fed’s preferred price gauge

Recent surveys showed slightly fewer job openings in March and a drop in April consumer confidence, hinting at mixed signals about the U.S. economy’s momentum.

Trump Eases Auto Tariffs, Trade Deal Tease

On the policy front, President Trump signed orders offering credits and temporary duty relief on auto parts and materials—aimed at softening the impact of his 25% tariffs. Key elements include:

• Two-year reshoring window for carmakers

• Retroactive credits for qualifying parts imports

• Support for automakers unable to immediately shift supply chains

Additionally, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted that a trade deal with an unnamed country is “in the bag,” suggesting the White House’s 90-day tariff pause could soon yield multiple bilateral agreements.