June S&P 500 E-Mini futures (ESM24) are up +0.09%, and June Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures (NQM24) are down -0.02% this morning after three major U.S. benchmark indices ended the regular session higher as recent U.S. jobs data and remarks from Federal Reserve officials buoyed rate-cut hopes while investors awaited further signals on interest rates from the Fed and a new batch of earnings reports.
In yesterday’s trading session, the benchmark S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 notched 3-week highs, and the blue-chip Dow posted a 3-1/2 week high. Micron Technology (MU) climbed over +4% and was the top percentage gainer on the Nasdaq 100 after Baird upgraded the stock to Outperform from Neutral with a price target of $150. Also, Paramount Global (PARA) advanced more than +3% after the New York Times reported that the media and entertainment company had decided to formally open negotiations with a bidding group led by Sony and Apollo Global Management. In addition, Perficient (PRFT) surged about +52% after EQT AB agreed to acquire the technology consultant in a deal valued at around $3 billion, including debt. On the bearish side, Tyson Foods (TSN) plunged over -5% and was the top percentage loser on the S&P 500 after the company reported weaker-than-expected Q2 sales and cautioned that consumers were under pressure from persistent inflation.
