STOCKS/ECONOMY
-Stock futures are lower after Wednesday's 71-point gain for the Dow, similar 0.2 percent rise for the S&P 500, and a 0.1 percent blip higher for the Nasdaq. Earnings from companies like Walmart are drawing key investor attention today.
-The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond is at 4.53 percent.
-Gold is up to the $2,968 per ounce level. Bitcoin is at the $97,200 level.
-Asian markets closed mostly lower today. The Hang Seng sold off by 1.6 percent, the Nasdaq fell 1.2 percent, and the Shenzhen eked out a 0.2 percent gain.
OIL/ENERGY
-U.S. crude prices are up and at the $72 a barrel level.
-Gasoline prices are holding at $3.16 a gallon.
WALMART NUMBERS
-Walmart (WMT) reported better than expected quarterly profits and revenues for the Christmas season. But the company warned of slowing profits and likely problems connected to new tariffs. Walmart shares are down 8 percent in the premarket.
BABA BOOM
-Alibaba (BABA) reported better than expected quarterly profits and revenues, thanks to expanding e-commerce demand and its cloud computing business. Alibaba shares are up 11 percent in the premarket.
OTHER KEY EARNINGS
-Shake Shack (SHAK) reported better than expected quarterly profits and revenues, and also announced more expansion in the U.S. Shake Shack shares are up 11 percent.
-Carvana (CVNA) reported weaker than expected profit margins. Its shares are down 5 percent in the premarket.
-Wayfair (W) reported better than expected quarterly revenues. Its shares are up 10 percent in the premarket.
-Hasbro (HAS) reported better than expected quarterly profits and revenues. Its shares are up 3 percent in the premarket.
DEFENSE CUTS
-Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly working on an 8 percent cut for the defense budget. The price of the defense stock-based ETF Global X Defense (SHLD) is down 1 percent in the premarket after falling 1 percent Wednesday.
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