Stock Market Today: Dow Jones, S&P 500 Futures Slip As Investors Brace For Mega-Cap Earnings—Brand Engagement, Nucor In Focus - SPDR S&P 500 (ARCA:SPY)

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures declined on Monday following a mixed close on Friday, with major benchmark indices showing lower futures [1] - Investors are focused on upcoming earnings reports from companies such as UnitedHealth Group, General Motors, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Tesla, and Starbucks [1] - The Federal Open Market Committee's interest rate decision is anticipated on Wednesday [1] Treasury Yields - The 10-year Treasury bond yield is at 4.21%, while the two-year bond yield stands at 3.59% [2] - Market projections indicate a 97.2% likelihood that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged in January [2] Index Performance - Dow Jones decreased by 0.12%, S&P 500 by 0.24%, Nasdaq 100 by 0.44%, and Russell 2000 by 0.29% [3] - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) fell by 0.22% to $687.69, and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (QQQ) declined by 0.43% to $620.04 [3] Stocks in Focus - Baker Hughes Co. reported a 3.74% increase in premarket trading after posting adjusted earnings of 78 cents per share, exceeding estimates of 67 cents [7] - Sarepta Therapeutics Inc. saw a 6.72% rise following the completion of a confirmatory trial for its PMO therapies and third-quarter results [7] - Nucor Corp. is projected to report quarterly earnings of $1.91 per share on revenue of $7.87 billion [7] - WR Berkley Corp. is expected to report earnings of $1.13 per share on revenue of $3.66 billion [15] - Brand Engagement Network Inc. surged by 221.60% due to a strategic partnership with Valio Technologies [15] Analyst Insights - Mohamed El-Erian notes a "2025 Paradox" where financial markets remain resilient despite geopolitical tensions, with U.S. economic activity appearing robust [11] - El-Erian anticipates the Federal Reserve will maintain interest rates, with a focus on corporate earnings from tech giants and political issues surrounding trade tariffs [12] - The stock market has retraced losses from geopolitical tensions, but there is a notable surge in precious metals as a counter-narrative [11] Upcoming Economic Data - Key economic data releases include durable-goods orders, consumer confidence, and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision [17]