Thursday's big stock stories: What’s likely to move the market in the next trading session
cnbc.com
⦿ Executive Snapshot
- What: The S&P 500 reached another record high, with significant movements expected from major companies like McDonald's, Corning, Nvidia, Citigroup, Block, and CoreWeave.
- Who: Key players include McDonald's, Corning, Nvidia, Citigroup, Block, and CoreWeave, alongside analysts and economists from ADP and the New York Federal Reserve.
- Why it matters: The performance of these companies and economic indicators like jobless claims and consumer expectations will likely influence market trends and investor sentiment in the upcoming sessions.
⦿ Key Developments
- McDonald's reports earnings with shares down 13% over the past three months and 17% from early March highs.
- Corning is building three new factories for Nvidia, leading to a 12% increase in Corning's shares, which have more than doubled in 2026.
- Citigroup's investor day is set for Thursday, with shares up 9% year-to-date but down 5.6% from the April 21 high.
- ADP reported a gain of 109,000 jobs in April, surpassing expectations, but cautioned about the nature of the jobs created.
- Block's shares have gained 26.5% over the past three months despite a recent 14% drop from the August high.
⦿ Strategic Context
- The recent performance of the S&P 500 reflects a broader recovery in the stock market, indicating investor confidence amidst ongoing economic adjustments.
- The focus on AI and technology in the earnings reports from companies like Corning and Block highlights the growing importance of innovation in driving business growth and market performance.
⦿ Strategic Implications
- Immediate market reactions to earnings reports and jobless claims data may lead to volatility and shifts in investor strategy.
- Long-term implications suggest a potential shift in workforce dynamics with increasing reliance on AI technologies, affecting employment and operational strategies across sectors.
⦿ Risks & Constraints
- Regulatory challenges and potential market corrections could pose risks to the performance of companies heavily tied to technology and AI advancements.
- Competition in the tech sector, especially among companies focusing on AI and cloud services, could impact market positioning and profitability.
⦿ Watchlist / Forward Signals
- Upcoming jobless claims data release on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. will be crucial for gauging economic health.
- The earnings reports from Block and CoreWeave after the bell will serve as indicators of market trends and investor confidence going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What companies are expected to influence the market in the next trading session?
Major companies like McDonald's, Corning, Nvidia, Citigroup, Block, and CoreWeave are expected to influence the market.
Why is the earnings report from McDonald's significant?
McDonald's earnings report is significant as its shares have declined 13% over the past three months, indicating potential challenges for the company.
How did Corning's stock perform recently?
Corning's shares increased by 12% due to the construction of three new factories for Nvidia, and they have more than doubled in 2026.
When will the jobless claims data be released?
The jobless claims data will be released on Thursday at 8:30 a.m.