A strong batch of earnings is injecting optimism into the market
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) futures are in the black across the board today, riding the heels of yesterday's record highs. Another strong batch of earnings is providing more optimism, with DoorDash (DASH) and Fortinet (FTNT) among today's winners. Traders are also eyeing U.S.-Iran updates, following reports the countries were close to reaching a deal to end the war. Meanwhile, weekly jobless claims came in at 200,000, slightly missing expectations of 206,000. The productivity and unit labor readings also came in below expectations.
- Behind Super Micro Computer stock's bull gap.
- Pharma stock cleared historically bullish trendline.
- Plus, McDonald's earnings impress; quantum computing stock sinking; and SNAP's lackluster outlook.
5 Things You Need to Know Today
- The Cboe Options Exchange saw more than 3.6 million call contracts and 1.8 million put contracts traded on Wednesday. The single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.51, while the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.59.
- McDonald's Corp (NYSE:MCD) stock is 3.6% higher ahead of the open, after the fast food chain beat earnings and revenue expectations for the first quarter despite a "challenging environment." In the past 12 months, MCD is down more than 10.3%.
- Quantum computing stock IonQ Inc (NYSE:IONQ) is down 6.6% before the bell, brushing off better-than-expected full-year revenue outlook and a 755% sales jump in the first quarter. This comes after the company also announced adjusted losses before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $96.8 million -- well above estimates. IONQ has added 17.1% in 2026.
- Shares of Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP) are 8.8% lower ahead of the open, after the social media name issued lackluster current-quarter guidance and announced it ended its deal with AI startup Perplexity. For the first quarter, the company beat earnings and revenue expectations. SNAP is down 24% this year.
- What's on the docket for the remainder of the week.
Japan's Nikkei Hits Fresh Record
Asian markets finished firmly higher Thursday as investors parsed through fresh signals from Washington on the Iran peace process. Japan’s Nikkei surged 5%, topping 62,000 for the first time. South Korea’s Kospi rode its record run up 1.4%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 1.6% and China’s Shanghai Composite edged 0.5% higher.
European markets are lower amid deal uncertainty between Washington and Tehran. London’s FTSE 100 was last seen down 0.6%, France’s CAC 40 is off 0.1%, and Germany’s DAX is 0.2% lower.