U.S. stock futures are showing mixed to slightly positive movements this Monday, August 11, 2025, as investors brace for a week packed with crucial inflation data and monitor ongoing geopolitical developments. The premarket trading activity suggests a cautious optimism, with major indexes looking to extend last week's gains while navigating potential headwinds from U.S.-China trade relations and upcoming economic announcements.
Premarket Trading and Futures Movements
As of early Monday, U.S. futures for the S&P 500 (SPX) were up 0.2%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures also saw a 0.2% increase. Nasdaq 100 (NDX) futures, however, were slightly down by 0.11% to 0.02%, indicating a mixed sentiment in the tech-heavy sector. This modest premarket ascent follows a strong performance last week, where the Dow gained 1.35%, the S&P 500 climbed 2.43%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) jumped 3.87%. The slight rise in futures is largely attributed to improved market sentiment, fueled by increasing expectations of multiple Federal Reserve rate cuts by year-end.
Current Market Indexes and Trends
The S&P 500 (SPX) is currently hovering around 6400 points, having gained 0.16% from the previous session, and remains close to its all-time high of 6427.02 reached in July 2025. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) also reached new all-time highs last week, propelled by strong performances in key technology stocks. The market's upward momentum is supported by robust corporate earnings reports and a general shrug-off of President Trump's retaliatory tariffs so far. However, the looming inflation reports this week could significantly influence whether the market extends its summer rally or faces renewed volatility.
Upcoming Market Events
This week is critical for economic data, with particular focus on the U.S. consumer price index (CPI) due on Tuesday and the producer price index (PPI) on Thursday. These inflation readings are expected to heavily influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, especially concerning the September policy meeting. Markets are currently pricing in approximately 89% odds of a Fed rate cut at the September meeting, an increase from 80% a week ago, partly due to recent weaker jobs data. Additionally, the week will see several companies reporting their quarterly results, including Astral, BEML, and Bata India, further contributing to market activity. Investors will also be watching for any possible extension of the August 12 deadline for U.S. tariffs on Chinese exports, which could impact trade negotiations.
Major Stock News and Developments
Nvidia (NVDA) & AMD (AMD) are making headlines with reports of an unprecedented deal with the U.S. government. Both semiconductor giants have reportedly obtained U.S. export licenses for the Chinese market for their H20 and MI308 artificial-intelligence chips, respectively, on the condition of an unusual 15% revenue-sharing agreement with the U.S. government. This news caused Nvidia shares to slip 1% and AMD stock to fall 3% in early premarket trade, as Wall Street weighs the long-term impact of this "political tariff." Despite the premarket dip, analysts believe the resumption of China sales could significantly boost future earnings for both companies.
Apple (AAPL) is in focus as today, August 11, 2025, marks the ex-dividend date for its upcoming $0.26 per share cash dividend, payable on August 14, 2025. The company recently announced a substantial $100 billion commitment to boost U.S. manufacturing, part of a larger $600 billion four-year investment, which has positively influenced its stock performance and is seen as a robust indicator of its financial stability.
Amazon (AMZN) is navigating a mixed landscape. While its core e-commerce business is maturing and facing competition, its advertising business is "quietly exploding," with ad revenue jumping 18% year-over-year in Q1 2025 to $13.9 billion. This high-margin advertising segment is seen as a significant future growth engine. Institutional investors have shown mixed activity, with some increasing their stake while others, like Peregrine Investment Management Inc., reduced their holdings.
Meta Platforms (META) reported strong second-quarter 2025 earnings, with $47.52 billion in sales and $18.34 billion in net income, driven by AI-driven user engagement and advertising growth. The company also joined the Global Signal Exchange partnership to combat online scams and abuse and announced a $29 billion financing deal with PIMCO and Blue Owl Capital to fund its data center expansion, highlighting its commitment to AI advancements.
Tesla (TSLA) is making moves beyond electric vehicles, with reports indicating it has applied for an energy license from the UK regulator Ofgem to supply energy to British households. This move could leverage its extensive base of EV owners and Powerwall battery users in the UK. Despite a significant drop earlier in the year, Tesla's stock has rebounded, and analysts are closely watching its Q3 earnings estimates, which Zacks Research recently lowered to $0.31 per share.
Other notable corporate news includes The Trade Desk (TTD), whose shares plummeted 38.6% after missing second-quarter adjusted earnings expectations, largely due to customers reining in ad spending amid tariff pressures. Conversely, Gilead Sciences (GILD) saw its shares jump 8.3% after surpassing Q2 adjusted earnings estimates. Texas Roadhouse Inc. (TXRH) shares tumbled 6.6% after reporting Q2 earnings that lagged consensus, while Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) climbed 7.7% after outpacing expectations.
As the trading day progresses, market participants will closely monitor the incoming economic data and any further developments in corporate news and geopolitical events, which will undoubtedly shape the market's direction.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.