Markets Kick Off Final Week of July with Optimism Amid Earnings,
Economic Data and Fed Decision

Stock futures climbed Sunday evening as investors geared up for a pivotal week filled with major economic reports, tech sector earnings, and the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision.

As of 6 p.m. Eastern time, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose nearly 200 points, or 0.4%. S&P 500 futures gained 0.4%, while Nasdaq Composite futures advanced 0.5%.

Stock futures rise ahead of Fed decision and tech earnings

Trade Developments Lift Sentiment

Markets were buoyed by news of a fresh trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union, announced Sunday. Under the deal, EU imports into the U.S. will face a 15% tariff, which is half the rate previously threatened by President Donald Trump.

Additionally, an American trade delegation is scheduled to meet its Chinese counterparts on Monday in Stockholm. These discussions aim to build on the temporary trade truce reached in June, potentially reducing trade tensions that have weighed on global markets.

A Heavy Week of Data and Earnings

Investors are preparing for a barrage of economic reports this week, which could provide insight into the health of the U.S. economy. Adding to the mix, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision on Wednesday is expected to be a major catalyst. Futures markets widely anticipate the Fed will hold rates steady, despite ongoing pressure from Trump to implement cuts.

Tech Giants in Focus

This week will also feature earnings from some of the market’s most influential tech companies:

  • Meta Platforms (META) and Microsoft (MSFT) report on Wednesday.

  • Amazon (AMZN) and Apple (AAPL) follow on Thursday.

Given their massive market capitalizations, these results could significantly sway broader indexes, particularly the tech-heavy Nasdaq.

Record-Breaking Momentum

The S&P 500 closed at a record high on Friday, marking its first streak of daily record closes in a week since November 2021. The Nasdaq notched its ninth record close in 10 sessions, while the Dow climbed 208 points, inching closer to its December 4 record level.

With trade negotiations, corporate earnings, and central bank policy all converging this week, volatility and opportunity are likely to define the markets as July draws to a close.