5 Key Points to Understand Before the Stock Market Opens

U.S. stock futures are looking up as traders process statements from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding potential reductions in tariffs on Canada and Mexico as part of a new agreement. CrowdStrike (CRWD) is seeing a decline in premarket trading following a disappointing financial forecast. The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) is reportedly planning to lay off 6% of its staff in the ABC News and Disney Entertainment Networks division. Additionally, Best Buy (BBY) shares are showing a slight recovery after experiencing a sharp drop yesterday due to concerns about the impact of tariffs on sales. Here are the essential updates for investors today.

1. US Stock Futures Signal Increase Amid Potential Tariffs Adjustment

The Finance Avenue reports that US stock futures are indicating a positive trend, driven by speculations that the US might announce changes to the tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada. This follows a recent market downturn triggered by concerns over import duties. Nasdaq futures show a 0.5% rise, while S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are up by 0.4% and 0.3% respectively. The price of Bitcoin (BTCUSD) is slightly above $90,000, with yields on the 10-year Treasury note remaining relatively stable. Gold futures are on the rise, while oil futures are experiencing a nearly 2% decline.

2. Lutnick Signals Canada, Mexico Tariffs Deal as Trump Promotes Economic Plan

The Finance Avenue reported that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated a potential compromise on the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, leading to positive market reactions. This announcement came both before and after President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress, hinting at a forthcoming deal to reduce the tariffs. Despite this, Trump emphasized the necessity of tariffs, stating that they play a crucial role in safeguarding American jobs and the country’s essence. Moreover, Trump urged Congress to consider eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits, tips, and overtime pay.

3. CrowdStrike stock experiences a decline due to a weaker outlook

The Finance Avenue reports that CrowdStrike (CRWD) stock is seeing a decrease of almost 8% in premarket trading as the cybersecurity company has forecasted earnings that are below analysts’ expectations. The company anticipates adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for fiscal 2026 to be between $3.33 and $3.45, significantly lower than the Visible Alpha consensus of $4.23. Despite this, CrowdStrike’s fourth-quarter EPS of $1.03 exceeded expectations, with revenue growing by 25% year-over-year to reach $1.06 billion. The stock had shown a 14% increase since the beginning of the year, reaching a record high last month.

4. Disney to Lay Off 6% of News, Entertainment Unit Staff, Report Says

The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) is planning to lay off approximately 200 executives at its ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks unit, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. This amounts to 6% of the total staff across both divisions and follows previous staff reductions in recent years as the company aims to cut costs in the face of increasing competition in the streaming market. Disney has not yet responded to a request for comment from The Finance Avenue. The company’s shares have seen minimal movement in premarket trading.

5. Best Buy Stock Rebounds Slightly After Drop Due to Tariff Concerns

Shares of Best Buy (BBY) have increased by 1% in premarket trading following a 13% decline the previous day. The retailer issued a warning about the negative impact of tariffs and inflation on sales. CEO Corie Barry mentioned that the company expected tariff costs to be transferred to retailers, creating uncertainty about import taxes. Despite reporting higher fourth-quarter adjusted EPS, revenue, and comparable store sales than analysts had predicted, Best Buy shares experienced a significant drop on Tuesday, leading the S&P 500 decliners.