Stocks Slip Before the Open on U.S.-Iran Fears, Economic Data and Walmart Earnings on Tap

Economic Data - U.S. durable goods orders fell -1.4% m/m in December, better than the expected -1.8% m/m, while core durable goods orders rose +0.9% m/m, exceeding expectations of +0.3% m/m [1] - U.S. December housing starts increased +6.2% m/m to 1.404 million, surpassing expectations of 1.310 million, and building permits rose +4.3% m/m to 1.448 million, above the expected 1.400 million [1] - U.S. industrial production rose +0.7% m/m in January, stronger than the anticipated +0.4% m/m [1] Stock Market Movements - Wall Street's three main equity benchmarks closed higher, with Global Payments (GPN) surging over +16% after issuing above-consensus FY26 adjusted EPS guidance [2] - Micron Technology (MU) rose more than +5% and Applied Materials (AMAT) gained over +2% [2] - Palantir Technologies (PLTR) increased more than +1% following an upgrade from Mizuho [2] - Palo Alto Networks (PANW) fell over -6% after cutting its full-year adjusted EPS guidance [2] Investor Sentiment - Investors are awaiting new U.S. economic data, remarks from Federal Reserve officials, and Walmart's earnings report [3] - Renewed caution about the outlook for AI has negatively impacted sentiment, with most members of the Magnificent Seven stocks edging lower in pre-market trading [3] Geopolitical Concerns - Investors are concerned about the potential for U.S. military intervention in Iran, despite progress in nuclear talks [4] - The U.S. has reportedly assembled its largest air power presence in the Middle East since 2003, raising tensions [4] - WTI crude prices rose above $66 a barrel amid these geopolitical tensions [4] Federal Reserve Insights - U.S. rate futures indicate a 94.1% chance of no rate change and a 5.9% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the March FOMC meeting [6] - The FOMC minutes revealed that several policymakers suggested potential rate increases if inflation remains above target [5] - A majority of participants noted that downside risks to employment have moderated, while persistent inflation risks remain [5] Upcoming Economic Reports - U.S. Initial Jobless Claims data is expected to show a figure of 223K, down from 227K last week [6] - The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index is anticipated to drop to 7.5 in February from 12.6 last month [7] - Trade Balance data is expected to show a narrowing deficit to -$55.5 billion in December from -$56.8 billion in November [7] - Pending home sales data is expected to rise +1.4% m/m in January after a -9.3% m/m drop in December [8] Corporate Earnings - Notable companies reporting quarterly figures include Walmart, Deere & Company, and Newmont [10] - Figma surged more than +11% in pre-market trading after posting strong Q4 results and guidance [16] - DoorDash climbed over +10% after reporting better-than-expected Q4 marketplace gross order value [16]