🌅 Pre-Market Snapshot: August 15, 2025
US equity futures are pointing to a cautious open this morning, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones futures both slightly in the red, while the NASDAQ 100 is holding near flat. After yesterday’s strong rally on cooling inflation, traders are pausing to digest the next round of economic data and corporate earnings.
| Index | Pre-Market Level | % Change (Overnight) |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 4,482 | -0.12% |
| Dow Jones | 35,230 | -0.08% |
| NASDAQ 100 | 15,910 | +0.03% |
| Russell 2000 | 2,140 | +0.05% |
- Futures action: Modest pullback after a strong CPI-fueled rally.
- Volatility: VIX futures remain subdued, holding near 14.
🌍 Global Market Context
- Europe: Major indices are mixed in early trading. The STOXX 600 is flat, with gains in industrials offset by weakness in energy.
- Asia: Markets closed higher, led by the Nikkei (+0.7%) and Hang Seng (+0.5%), as investors reacted positively to the US inflation data and a rebound in Chinese tech shares.
- Commodities: Oil is steady near $75/bbl, while gold is consolidating above $2,630/oz.
📰 Key News Driving the Tape
- Earnings Watch: Walmart and Applied Materials are set to report before the bell, with investors looking for signals on consumer strength and tech demand.
- China Data: Overnight, China reported better-than-expected industrial production and retail sales, easing some global growth concerns.
- Fed Commentary: Several Fed officials are scheduled to speak today, with markets listening closely for any hints on the rate path after the CPI surprise.
📅 Economic Indicators to Watch Today
| Time (EDT) | Indicator | Consensus | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | US Retail Sales (July) | +0.4% MoM | High |
| 8:30 AM | US Import/Export Prices (July) | – | Medium |
| 10:00 AM | US Business Inventories (June) | +0.2% MoM | Low |
| 10:00 AM | University of Michigan Sentiment | 72.0 | Medium |
| All Day | Fed Speakers (multiple) | – | Medium-High |
Spotlight: Retail sales will be the main event—any surprise could quickly shift sentiment, especially in consumer and discretionary stocks.
🔎 Sector Outlook and Market Themes
- Financials: After leading yesterday’s rally, banks are set for a breather but remain in focus as yields stabilize.
- Consumer Discretionary: All eyes on retail sales and Walmart’s results for clues on consumer resilience.
- Tech: NASDAQ futures are steady; chipmakers and software stocks could see action following Applied Materials’ earnings.
- Energy: Oil stocks are lagging as crude prices consolidate.
🏁 Final Take
Markets are catching their breath after a powerful inflation-driven rally. Today’s retail sales and Fed commentary will be crucial in determining whether the bullish momentum can continue or if a consolidation phase sets in. Stay alert for sector rotation and sharp moves around the data releases.
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El Mundo del Trading en los Mercados Financieros 