US stock futures are in the green this morning, with major benchmarks set to open higher after the S&P 500 futures rose by over 1.3%. The most influential factor is fresh jobs data showing the US likely added just 50,000 new positions last month and an unemployment rate steady at 4.3%. Put simply, the job market continues to slow but not collapse. This reassures some investors that the economy is cooling rather than stalling out. At the same time, the yield on the 10-year US Treasury remains above 4.1% because inflation has not faded as quickly as hoped, making it more expensive to borrow and slowing things like home buying. The big question is whether the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady, or if lingering high prices will eventually force them to act again. The answer could steer the fate of interest-sensitive sectors such as housing and banks, as well as growth-focused tech companies hoping for rate relief.

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Block (XYZ) jumped 7.56% after announcing a $5 billion boost to its buyback plan.

GE Vernova (GEV) rose 7.29% after securing a wind turbine upgrade contract with Taiwan Power Company.

Constellation Energy (CEG) gained 5.34% as its Crane Clean Energy Center received a $1B DOE loan.

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Eversource Energy (ES) plunged 12.45% after regulators blocked the Aquarion sale, which triggered analyst downgrades.

Strategy (MSTR) declined 9.82%.

Circle Internet Group (CRCL) dropped 8.98%.

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Earnings from industry giants and growth leaders will shape Thursday’s market pulse, setting the tone for sectors from retail to software.

Walmart (WMT) reports Q3 results Thursday morning. This will offer the market a read on consumer spending and supply chain trends.

Intuit (INTU) delivers Q1 earnings after the close. Guidance and small business metrics will be in focus for fintech watchers.

Veeva Systems (VEEV) releases Q3 results after-market, putting a spotlight on software demand across life sciences industries.

Ross Stores (ROST) unveils Q3 numbers Thursday afternoon. Investors are watching sales momentum and inventory management in off-price retail.

Copart (CPRT) reports Q1 earnings after the bell, with key attention on service volume trends and margin performance.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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