5 Things to Watch Before the Stock Market Opens

Here’s what’s setting the tone for the markets today: optimism surrounding President-elect Trump’s Treasury Secretary pick, Bitcoin flirting with the $100,000 mark, and key corporate movers making headlines. Here’s a breakdown of the top stories investors need to know:

1. Stock Futures Climb on Treasury Secretary Optimism

U.S. stock futures are on the rise, fueled by enthusiasm over President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary. Markets are hopeful that Bessent will balance Trump’s ambitious economic agenda without rattling financial stability.

Dow futures: +0.6%

Nasdaq futures: +0.6%

S&P 500 futures: +0.5%

With Wall Street coming off a record-breaking Friday close, this rally kicks off a shortened trading week as markets prepare for Thanksgiving on Thursday.

2. Bitcoin Nears $100,000, Lifts MicroStrategy Shares

The cryptocurrency world is abuzz as Bitcoin (BTCUSD) hovers just below the $100,000 milestone after a meteoric 40% rise since Trump’s November 5th election victory. The promise of a crypto-friendly administration has driven Bitcoin to a staggering 130% gain year-to-date.

MicroStrategy (MSTR), a prominent corporate Bitcoin investor, continues to benefit from the surge, with shares up 6% in premarket trading. The stock has rallied nearly 90% since the election as the software company doubles down on its Bitcoin accumulation strategy.

3. Super Micro Computer Keeps Gaining After Nasdaq Compliance News

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) is up 6% in premarket trading, continuing its rebound after the company filed a compliance plan with the Nasdaq, averting delisting.

The server maker also garnered attention from Nvidia (NVDA) during its earnings call last week, with the AI leader highlighting Supermicro as a key partner. While shares have soared roughly 80% since November 15, they remain well below their March highs following earlier accounting controversies.

4. Peabody Energy Drops After $3.8 Billion Deal Announcement

Peabody Energy (BTU) is sliding 3% in premarket trading after revealing plans to purchase $3.8 billion worth of steelmaking coal assets in Australia from Anglo American.

Peabody’s move positions the company to tap into growing steel demand across Asia but raises questions about debt and operational risks. Meanwhile, Anglo American, which has been restructuring its operations, saw its shares rise 2% on the announcement.

5. Rocket Lab Soars After Back-to-Back Launch Success

Shares of Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) are up 9% in premarket trading, bolstered by news of two successful satellite launches within 24 hours.

The SpaceX rival deployed five satellites for French IoT operator Kinéis from its New Zealand facility just 22 hours after completing a mission in Virginia. Rocket Lab also announced a $23.9 million government grant under the CHIPS Act to enhance semiconductor manufacturing at its Albuquerque, NM, facility.