5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

U.S. stock futures are showing little movement as markets attempt to recover from last week’s selloff. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has fallen to its lowest level since November, dragging crypto-related stocks lower. Home Depot delivered strong earnings but issued a cautious outlook, Super Micro Computer faces a critical Nasdaq filing deadline, and Unilever is undergoing a sudden leadership change.

1. U.S. Stock Futures Flat After Struggles to Rebound

Stock futures are largely unchanged as investors assess recent market weakness. The S&P 500 is edging lower after posting its third straight losing session, while Nasdaq 100 futures are down 0.3% following a 1.2% drop on Monday. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are slightly higher.

Investors are closely monitoring economic reports, including home price data and the consumer confidence index, which could influence market sentiment. Treasury yields on the 10-year note are declining to around 4.3%, while gold and oil futures are also trading lower.

2. Bitcoin Sinks Below $90,000, Weighing on Crypto Stocks

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) is down 2.5%, slipping below $90,000, its lowest level since November. The decline has triggered a selloff in crypto-related stocks:

• MicroStrategy (MSTR): Down 5% in premarket trading, extending its 6% loss from Monday.

• Coinbase (COIN) & Robinhood (HOOD): Both down 4%.

• Bitcoin miners Marathon Digital (MARA) & Riot Platforms (RIOT): Both lower by approximately 4%.

Market analysts are watching whether Bitcoin can stabilize or if further declines will exacerbate selling pressure in the sector.

3. Home Depot Beats Estimates but Issues Cautious Outlook

Home Depot (HD) reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, posting:

• Earnings per share (EPS): $3.13, above analyst estimates of $3.03.

• Revenue: $39.70 billion, exceeding forecasts of $39.12 billion.

Despite the solid results, Home Depot issued a muted outlook for 2025, with projected sales growth, comparable store sales, and adjusted EPS falling short of market expectations. After initially declining, shares moved slightly higher in premarket trading.

4. Super Micro Computer Rises Ahead of Nasdaq Filing Deadline

Shares of Super Micro Computer (SMCI) are up 3% in premarket trading as the company faces a Nasdaq filing deadline for delayed financial reports. Failure to submit its filings could lead to delisting from the exchange.

Last year, Super Micro revealed delays in filing its Form 10-K for fiscal 2024 due to accounting-related questions. However, an independent investigation found no misconduct, and earlier this month, the company reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the deadline. Investors will be watching closely to see if the company successfully files its reports.

5. Unilever CEO Steps Down After Less Than Two Years

Consumer products giant Unilever (UL) announced that CEO Hein Schumacher is stepping down after less than two years at the helm. He will be replaced by CFO Fernando Fernandez.

The leadership change was unexpected, with UBS analysts calling the move surprising. Unilever’s U.S.-listed shares, which had gained 11% over the past 12 months, declined 1% in premarket trading following the announcement.

Conclusion

As markets open, investors are closely watching stock futures for signs of stability, Bitcoin’s continued weakness, and Home Depot’s cautious outlook. Super Micro Computer’s filing deadline could be a turning point for the stock, while Unilever’s leadership shake-up adds uncertainty in the consumer products sector. Economic data releases later today may further influence market direction.