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5 Key Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens​

By Samiat May, 21, 2025 Stock Market

5 Key Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens​


U.S. stock futures are trending lower this morning as investors digest geopolitical developments and corporate earnings updates. Here’s a snapshot of what’s moving the markets today:


1. U.S. Stock Futures Dip as Middle East Tensions Flare​


Stock futures are in the red as the recent market rally pauses. Reports suggesting a possible Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites have pushed oil prices higher and weighed on investor sentiment.
  • S&P 500 futures are down 0.6%, following Tuesday’s 0.4% drop, which ended a six-day winning streak.
  • Dow futures are off by 0.8%, and Nasdaq futures are lower by 0.6%.
  • Bitcoin remains relatively stable near $106,700, while gold and U.S. Treasury yields are edging higher.

2. Lowe’s Gains After Beating Earnings Expectations​

Shares of Lowe’s (LOW) are up 2% in premarket trading after the home improvement retailer delivered stronger-than-expected Q1 results and reaffirmed its full-year guidance.
  • Q1 EPS came in at $2.92, topping estimates of $2.86.
  • Revenue slipped 2% year-over-year to $20.93 billion, in line with forecasts.
  • The company maintained its full-year 2025 outlook, projecting revenue between $83.5 billion and $84.5 billion and EPS of $12.15 to $12.40.

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3. Target Shares Drop on Weaker Sales Outlook​


Target (TGT) stock is down 4% in premarket trading after the retailer slashed its full-year sales forecast amid slowing consumer demand.
  • The company now expects a low-single-digit revenue decline for 2025, compared to its earlier projection of ~1% growth.
  • Q1 adjusted EPS was $1.30 on revenue of $23.85 billion, both missing estimates.
  • However, GAAP EPS came in at $2.27, boosted by gains from litigation settlements.

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4. Apple Reinstates Fortnite to U.S. App Store​

In a major development, Apple (AAPL) has allowed Epic Games’ Fortnite back into the U.S. App Store after a five-year ban.
  • The decision follows a recent court ruling that Apple violated antitrust laws by blocking apps that bypassed its in-app payment system.
  • Apple’s shares are slightly lower in early trading as investors digest the implications for its App Store policies.

5. Kraft Heinz Explores Strategic Options​

Kraft Heinz (KHC) shares are slightly higher after the company announced it is evaluating potential strategic transactions to unlock shareholder value.
  • No specific timeline was provided for the completion of the process.
  • The company also revealed that two Berkshire Hathaway board representatives have stepped down, reducing the board size to 10 members.

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