5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens Today

Stock futures edged lower on Wednesday morning as investors analyzed new tariff proposals from former President Donald Trump and awaited key insights from the Federal Reserve. Market movements were also influenced by corporate developments, including Intel's potential divestiture of its programmable chips business and the continued rise of Super Micro Computer shares. Additionally, investors are closely monitoring Apple as it prepares to unveil a new low-cost iPhone. Below are the five key market-moving events to watch before the opening bell.

1. Stock Futures Edge Lower Ahead of Fed Minutes and Tariff Concerns

Stock index futures signaled a mixed start as investors braced for Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which could provide crucial insights into the central bank's stance on future interest rate hikes. S&P 500 futures hovered slightly below the previous session’s all-time high, marking the first record close in a month. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures also slipped, while Nasdaq futures showed mild gains.

In commodities, oil futures climbed nearly 1%, gold prices rose amid economic uncertainty, and Bitcoin (BTCUSD) surged past $96,000. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury yields ticked higher, reflecting continued market caution over monetary policy and inflationary pressures.

2. Trump Proposes 25% Tariffs on Autos, Semiconductors, and Pharmaceuticals

A new tariff proposal from Donald Trump is stirring market discussions, with reports indicating a potential 25% levy on imported automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical products. According to The Wall Street Journal, the proposed tariffs may include a phase-in period, with incremental increases over time.

This proposal follows Trump's previous tariff hikes, including a 10% increase on Chinese imports and a 25% duty on imported steel and aluminum. The U.S. imported approximately 8 million passenger cars and light trucks in 2023, representing nearly half of all vehicle sales. An official announcement on the tariffs is expected by April 2, which could lead to heightened volatility in affected industries.

3. Intel Shares Decline Amid Reports of Altera Unit Sale

Intel (INTC) shares dropped nearly 3% in premarket trading following reports that private equity firm Silver Lake Management is in talks to acquire its Altera programmable chips division. The potential divestiture comes after Intel's stock surged 16% in the previous session due to speculation that Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. were considering bids for parts of its business. Despite these recent gains, Intel's stock remains down more than 30% over the past year, reflecting investor concerns over declining market share and increased competition in the semiconductor industry.

4. Super Micro Computer Extends Rally on AI Growth Forecasts

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares surged another 6% in premarket trading, continuing a four-day winning streak. The stock jumped 16% in the previous session, driven by the company’s optimistic revenue projections tied to artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure demand.

Super Micro recently forecasted revenue of $40 billion for 2026, a 60% increase over its 2025 expectations. This bullish outlook is fueled by growing demand for AI-powered server infrastructure. Since releasing its updated guidance last week, Super Micro’s stock has climbed approximately 40%, reinforcing its position as one of the top AI beneficiaries in the market.

5. Apple Poised to Unveil New Low-Cost iPhone with AI Integration

Apple (AAPL) shares remained relatively unchanged in early trading ahead of an anticipated product announcement. Analysts widely expect the tech giant to introduce a new, budget-friendly iPhone model, potentially the iPhone SE4.

Morgan Stanley analysts project that the iPhone SE4 will start at $499 and will include Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features that CEO Tim Cook has credited with driving record iPhone upgrade cycles. Apple shares have gained nearly 33% over the past year, as investors remain optimistic about the company’s continued innovation and expansion into AI-driven technology.

Conclusion

As the trading day unfolds, investors will closely watch for updates on Trump's proposed tariffs, Intel’s business negotiations, and Federal Reserve insights. AI-driven market optimism remains strong, with Super Micro and Apple leading the way in tech developments. However, concerns over valuations and macroeconomic conditions continue to create uncertainty. Market participants should remain vigilant as evolving news continues to shape market sentiment and investment strategies.