This steady movement suggests that traders may be treating Trump’s new trade salvos more as a negotiation tactic than an immediate market threat. But with deadlines looming and tariff letters going out, the tension is far from over.
How are the US stock futures performing today?
As of early premarket trading:
- Dow Jones futures are up 104 points (+0.24%), hovering near 44,345.
- S&P 500 futures have gained 13 points (+0.21%), sitting around 6,238.
- Nasdaq 100 futures rose 44 points (+0.20%), trading near 22,746.
The upward momentum reflects cautious optimism, despite ongoing uncertainty around global trade tensions.
What’s driving today’s market mood?
Trump’s tariff pressure continues
President Trump has unveiled a fresh round of tariffs, including a 50% duty on copper and proposed levies on semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports. While broader actions are delayed until August 1, the threat of a trade flare-up lingers. So far, markets have remained calm, indicating that investors are possibly pricing in delays or partial rollbacks.
Energy stocks surge in premarket trade
Renewable and energy-linked shares are leading the pack:
- AES Corp surged +15% premarket.
- Bloom Energy jumped nearly +7%.
These moves follow renewed interest in clean energy infrastructure under potential stimulus provisions.
Key stocks making waves
- Verona Pharma soared over +20% after Merck announced a $10 billion acquisition deal.
- Freeport-McMoRan gained after copper tariffs were confirmed, boosting outlooks for domestic mining firms.
- Tesla is showing signs of recovery after sharp losses earlier this week tied to executive shakeups and Trump’s tariff rhetoric.
- Apple slipped slightly following news that its COO will step down this quarter.
Is the stock market brushing off Trump’s escalating tariff plans?
Despite President Trump’s renewed push to slap “reciprocal” tariffs on several nations, investors appeared to stay relatively calm. This comes after Monday’s sharp dip, when Trump released letters targeting new tariff hikes on Japan and 13 other countries. Markets slid on that news, but Wednesday’s early moves suggest traders are now seeing these steps as part of the president’s tough negotiating style.
Trump confirmed that at least seven more countries would receive tariff notice letters on Wednesday, aligning with the end of the moratorium he announced back in April. He has set a hard deadline of August 1 for nations to reach new trade agreements, warning that “no extensions will be granted.” Any country failing to make a deal by then could face increased import duties.
Futures Snapshot
- Dow Jones E‑mini (YM=F)
– Trading around 44,586, up approximately +78 points (+0.18%)
– Daily range: ~44,422 to 44,612 - S&P 500 E‑mini (ES=F)
– Currently near 6,282, up about +10 points (+0.16%) - Nasdaq 100 E‑mini (NQ=F)
– Hovering around 22,926, up roughly +29 points (+0.13%)
Volatility and market sentiment
- The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) dropped to around 20.9, showing lower market fear.
- VIX futures for July are trading between 17.6 – 17.8, down about 2.3%, suggesting investors expect less near-term volatility despite geopolitical tensions.
Bonds and yields
- The 10-Year US Treasury yield moved slightly higher to around 4.41%, indicating cautious optimism and potential inflation concerns.
- 10-Year Treasury futures showed minor gains, with July contracts hovering near 4.388, up modestly by +0.07%.
How are key commodities like copper reacting to Trump’s tariff threats?
Copper markets are already showing signs of stress. After hitting a record high on Tuesday, US copper futures (HG=F) pulled back slightly. The surge came after Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper, signaling a potential shake-up in global commodity pricing. He also threatened 200% duties on pharmaceutical imports, raising new concerns across both the industrial and healthcare sectors.
This commodity volatility is adding another layer of uncertainty for investors, particularly for companies tied to global supply chains or dependent on imported materials.
What could Trump’s trade stance mean for Federal Reserve decisions?
Trump’s tariff strategy isn’t just shaking up international trade—it’s also splitting opinions inside the Federal Reserve. Uncertainty over how new tariffs will affect inflation and economic growth has complicated the Fed’s monetary outlook.
At its June policy meeting, the central bank decided to hold interest rates steady, but the market is still expecting at least two rate cuts before the year ends. Investors are closely watching for the Fed’s meeting minutes, due later Wednesday, hoping for clues on how deeply the tariff debate is influencing monetary policy.
Are investors pricing in more volatility in the coming weeks?
Even with Wednesday’s early uptick in futures, Wall Street seems wary of what lies ahead. The stock market has shown it can react sharply to new tariff news—as it did on Monday—so any fresh announcement or tweet from President Trump could jolt sentiment again.
With the August 1 deadline approaching and no clear resolutions in sight, analysts are warning of potential short-term volatility. Sectors like technology, industrials, and healthcare—especially companies reliant on international supply chains—could be especially vulnerable.
What’s coming up on the economic calendar?
Markets are keeping a close eye on:
- Federal Reserve June meeting minutes, expected later today, which may offer new clues about the future path of interest rates.
- Jobless claims data, providing insight into the labor market’s resilience.
- Upcoming Q2 earnings reports from heavyweights like Nvidia, Tesla, and Apple, which could set the tone for tech in the weeks ahead.
What should investors watch for next in the US stock market?
Looking ahead, several key catalysts could shape the US stock market in the days to come:
- More tariff letters are expected to be released today.
- The Fed’s June meeting minutes will be released later Wednesday, offering insights into interest rate direction.
- Investors will track any international responses to Trump’s aggressive tariff schedule.
- Continued movement in copper and pharma markets could also signal broader impacts of trade actions
US Market futures data:
| Index | Futures Move | Percentage Change |
| Dow Jones (YM=F) | +71 points | +0.2% |
| S&P 500 (ES=F) | +10 points | +0.2% |
| Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) | +35 points | +0.2% |
| Copper (HG=F) | Slight drop | After record high |
| Fed Rate Expectation | 2 cuts seen | By end of 2025 |
As of Wednesday morning, the early rise in Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures signals that markets are holding their breath—but far from exhaling just yet. The next few weeks could be a test of nerves as Wall Street watches how President Trump’s trade policies unfold in real time.
FAQs:
Q1: What is the latest update on the US stock market today?
Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures are up 0.2% amid Trump’s trade threats.
Q2: Why are investors watching Trump’s tariff moves?
Trump plans big tariffs by August 1, which could shake up global trade and markets.
