US Pre-Market: Crude Oil and Bitcoin Prices Strengthen, Amazon Boosts AI Investment to Lead Tech Sector, Apple Leadership Change in Focus
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U.S. stock index futures rose, with Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Dow Jones futures climbing. Amazon's increased investment in AI firm Anthropic boosted its stock. Toyota and Alaska Airlines saw pre-market declines due to geopolitical impacts on supply chains and rising jet fuel costs, respectively. WTI crude oil and Bitcoin prices strengthened as ceasefire talks remained uncertain. SpaceX is progressing with its IPO plans, holding analyst meetings. Apple announced Tim Cook's CEO transition to John Ternus. Barclays, Lloyds, and UBS joined the UK's AI testing program. Key economic data releases include U.S. ADP Employment Change and Retail Sales.
Market Movements
Three major U.S. stock index futures rise across the board
TradingKey - Before the U.S. market open on Tuesday, the Volatility Index (VIX) edged lower as the market held optimistic expectations for the geopolitical situation. Driven by this, all three major U.S. index futures strengthened collectively. As of press time, Nasdaq 100 index futures rose 0.5% to 26,721 points; S&P 500 index futures rose 0.46% to 7,141 points; and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 0.65% to 49,762 points.
Amazon boosts Anthropic investment, igniting a rally
Amazon( AMZN) rose 3.05% in pre-market trading to $255.85. Amazon announced a landmark agreement with AI giant Anthropic on Monday: on top of the $8 billion already invested, it will add a further $5 billion; if relevant commercial milestones are met in the future, the maximum investment could increase by another $20 billion.
Amazon stock price chart, source: TradingView
Toyota falls nearly 4% pre-market as Middle East situation impacts supply chains
Toyota Motor ( TM) fell 3.83% in pre-market trading to $207. Affected by the conflict involving Iran, market concerns over disruptions to the automotive supply chain have hit Toyota's earnings outlook. According to Kyodo News, Toyota has planned to cut production in Asia of pickups and other models destined for the Middle Eastern market.
Alaska Airlines shares fall 2.3% after withdrawing full-year profit forecast
Alaska Airlines ( ALK) fell 2.3% in pre-market trading to $42.56. The company officially withdrew its full-year profit forecast, primarily because geopolitical instability in the Middle East has driven a sharp rise in jet fuel costs, putting heavy pressure on profit margins and adding uncertainty to its financial outlook.
Oil and Bitcoin prices strengthen as ceasefire agreement nears expiration
Before the U.S. market open on Tuesday, commodities largely continued their volatile trend, with spot gold ( XAUUSD) fell 0.68% to $4,789/oz; silver ( XAGUSD) fell 0.92% to $78.96; WTI crude oil ( USOIL) rose 1.3% to $87.15/barrel; Bitcoin ( BTC) rose nearly 2%, breaking through $76,000 once again.
WTI crude oil price chart, source: TradingView
Market Highlights
US-Iran peace negotiation prospects remain uncertain as ceasefire deadline looms
On Tuesday, the latest round of peace negotiations between the United States and Iran hit a stalemate. As the temporary ceasefire agreement nears expiration, both sides issued conflicting signals: Trump posted on social media, accusing Iran of having violated the ceasefire "multiple times" without providing specific details; meanwhile, Iran counter-accused the U.S. of lacking sincerity in negotiations and has yet to clarify whether it will attend future talks.
SpaceX kicks off three crucial days for IPO, holding closed-door meetings with analysts
According to three people familiar with the matter, SpaceX is actively advancing its most high-profile IPO plan to date. This week, the company will hold three days of closed-door meetings at its Texas launch site and a large data center in Tennessee to meet with professional analysts. Additionally, according to a report by The Information, Elon Musk purchased approximately $1.4 billion worth of shares from current and former SpaceX employees last year.
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO, succeeded by John Ternus
Apple ( AAPL) announced that Tim Cook will officially step down as CEO on September 1, with John Ternus set to take the helm. Before the formal transition, Cook will work closely with Ternus to manage the handover. Apple stated: "Cook will continue to serve as CEO throughout the summer and work closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth transition of the company's leadership."
Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, and UBS join UK regulator's AI testing program
Barclays ( BCS ), Lloyds Banking Group ( LYG) and UBS Group ( UBS) have become the latest financial institutions in the UK authorized to develop and test practical AI applications. These banks will join the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) AI Lab program, which aims to assess technical risks and help develop tools to safeguard consumers and market security before regulations are fully established. Regulators noted that participating banks will explore various models, including agentic AI and neuro-symbolic AI, the latter of which focuses on deeply integrating machine learning with structured reasoning.
Key Data/Events Preview
US ADP Employment Change for the week ending April 4 (10,000s)
US Retail Sales MoM for March
US Business Inventories MoM for February
US Pending Home Sales Index MoM for March
US President Trump participates in a CNBC financial program
The US Senate Banking Committee holds a hearing on Kevin Warsh's nomination for Fed Chair
Fed Governor Waller speaks at the Brookings Institution
This content was translated using AI and reviewed for clarity. It is for informational purposes only.
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