March S&P 500 E-Mini futures (ESH24) are up +0.19%, and March Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures (NQH24) are up +0.41% this morning as market participants looked ahead to a key U.S. consumer inflation report that will provide insights into the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory.
In Wednesday’s trading session, the benchmark S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 notched 1-1/2 week highs, and the blue-chip Dow rose to a 1-week high. Intuitive Surgical Inc (ISRG) gained over +10% and was the top percentage gainer on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after the medical device maker issued better-than-expected preliminary Q4 and FY23 revenue figures. Also, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) climbed more than +5% after Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the stock to $375 from $304. In addition, Lennar Corporation (LEN) rose over +3% after the homebuilder increased its quarterly cash dividend to 50 cents per share and raised its stock repurchase program by up to $5 billion. On the bearish side, Aehr Test Systems (AEHR) tumbled more than -16% after the chip equipment tester lowered its annual revenue outlook.
