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5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

U.S. stock futures point slightly higher as investors digest tariffs developments while watching for bank earnings; China raises its tariffs on the U.S. to 125%; JPMorgan Chase ( JPM ) shares rise in premarket trading as the bank reports better-than-expected results; gold futures hit a record high as investors seek safety amid stock market volatility; and wholesale inflation is expected to have ticked higher in March while consumer sentiment is forecast to have fallen again. Here's what investors need to know today.

1. US Stock Futures Point Higher as Markets Eye Tariffs, Bank Earnings

U.S. stock futures are pointing marginally higher after indexes plunged Thursday on ongoing tariffs anxiety. Investors are watching for wholesale inflation and consumer sentiment reports today, along with first-quarter results from some of the biggest banks. Nasdaq futures are higher by 0.2% after shedding 4.3% yesterday, while S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures also are slightly higher after sliding in the prior session. Bitcoin ( BTCUSD ) is rising to trade at over $82,500. Yields on the 10-year Treasury note and oil futures are little changed.

2. China Hikes Tariffs on US to 125% in Latest Tit-for-Tat

China announced it would hike tariffs on the U.S. to 125% Friday, a day after President Donald Trump said that U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made goods would be raised to reach the level of 145%. China said it wouldn't raise tariffs on the U.S. any further, arguing that the current levels effectively price U.S. goods out of Chinese markets. The Stoxx Europe 600 index is edging lower as markets digest the news. Asian shares closed before China's latest move, with Japan's Nikkei ending down 3% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng up 1.1%.

3. JPMorgan Results Top Estimates; Dimon Warns of 'Considerable Turbulence'

Shares of JPMorgan Chase ( JPM ) are about 1.5% higher in premarket trading after the bank reported better-than-expected results while warning of potential impacts from tariffs. The banking giant reported earnings per share (EPS) of $5.07 on revenue of $45.31 billion, while analysts had expected $4.64 and $43.55 billion, according to estimates compiled by Visible Alpha. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said the economy was facing "considerable turbulence" and that the bank was preparing for a "wide range of scenarios."

4. Gold Hits Another Record High as Investors Seek Safe Havens

Gold futures are continuing to trade at record-high levels as investors seek safe haven from market volatility. After the yellow metal rose by 4% Thursday, futures are up a further 2% at more than $3,200 Friday morning. Gold miner shares are continuing their surge in premarket trading, with shares of Newmont ( NEM ), Barrick Gold ( GOLD ), and Kinross Gold ( KGC ) up by more than 3% and Gold Fields ( GFI ) stock 4% higher after hitting a record in the prior session.

5. Wholesale Inflation Seen Having Ticked Higher in March

Wholesale inflation is expected to have risen in March when the Producer Price Index (PPI) data is released at 8:30 a.m. ET. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires forecast that wholesaler prices were 0.2% higher than in February, when levels were unchanged month-over-month. Investors are also watching Friday's preliminary Michigan consumer sentiment survey for April, which economists expect will show another decline when it is released at 10 a.m. ET.

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