The U.S. stock market is poised for another eventful week, with premarket trading on Monday, July 28, 2025, showing positive momentum, largely driven by optimism surrounding a newly announced trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union. Futures for the S&P 500 were up 0.4%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures increased by 0.3%, and Nasdaq 100 futures led with a 0.6% gain in early trading. This follows a strong close on Friday, where major indexes extended their record-setting rally.
Current Market Indexes and Trends
The U.S. equity markets concluded last week on a high note, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all reaching new record highs. The S&P 500 closed up 0.4% on Friday, marking its fifth consecutive record close and a 1.5% weekly gain. This impressive streak has seen the S&P 500 trade above its 20-day moving average for 60 straight days, a rare occurrence that historically precedes further significant gains, with average returns between 20% and 26% over the next year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 208 points, or 0.47%, to 44,901.92, finishing the week up 1.3%. The Nasdaq Composite added 0.2% after an intraday high, closing at 21,108.32, and registered a 1% weekly rise. This sustained rally is attributed to resilient economic data, stronger-than-expected corporate earnings, and easing trade tensions.
Upcoming Market Events
This week is packed with market-moving events that investors will be closely monitoring. A key focus will be the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, with the Federal Reserve expected to maintain interest rates at their current range of 4.25%-4.50% on Wednesday. The market will be looking for guidance on future policy decisions, especially concerning inflation and the robust economy.
Economic data releases will also heavily influence market sentiment. Investors will be watching for the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) on Tuesday, ADP private payrolls on Wednesday, and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index on Thursday. The PCE, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, is anticipated to show a rise to 2.4% year-over-year, up from 2.3% in May. Friday will bring the crucial July U.S. jobs report, with analysts forecasting approximately 115,000 new jobs added, a slowdown from the 147,000 jobs in June. Additionally, the advance estimate of Q2 GDP will be released, with expectations of a rebound to 2.5% growth after a Q1 contraction.
Beyond economic indicators, the earnings season is in full swing, with a heavy calendar of reports from major public companies. This week is set to be the busiest for earnings, featuring several "Magnificent Seven" companies.
Major Stock News and Company Announcements
Corporate earnings continue to be a significant driver of market performance. Last week saw strong results from Alphabet (GOOGL) and Verizon (VZ), which contributed to the S&P 500's rally. However, Intel (INTC) weighed on the tech sector after warning of losses and layoffs, and its shares fell 8.5% after reporting a quarterly loss. Charter Communications (CHTR) tumbled 18% after missing earnings forecasts and reporting subscriber losses in broadband and video, dragging down other cable stocks like Comcast (CMCSA), Altice USA (ATUS), and EchoStar (SATS). MarineMax (HZO) also missed analyst forecasts, and Palantir (PLTR) gained over 2% to reach an all-time high.
Looking ahead, this week's earnings calendar is packed with highly anticipated reports. On Wednesday, Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta Platforms (META) are scheduled to release their results after market close. Investors will be keenly focused on their commentary regarding AI investments and revenue projections. Thursday will see earnings reports from Apple (AAPL) and Amazon (AMZN). Apple's report will be closely watched for updates on its AI-driven growth expectations. Other notable companies reporting this week include UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Boeing (BA), PayPal (PYPL), SoFi (SOFI), Robinhood Markets (HOOD), MicroStrategy (MSTR), Procter & Gamble (PG), Merck (MRK), Spotify (SPOT), UPS (UPS), AstraZeneca (AZN), Visa (V), Starbucks (SBUX), Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA), Ford (F), Qualcomm (QCOM), ARM Holdings (ARM), AbbVie (ABBV), Coinbase Global (COIN), Roku (ROKU), Riot Platforms (RIOT), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), and Moderna (MRNA).
In other significant news, a framework trade deal has been reached between the U.S. and the European Union, which will see the bloc face 15% tariffs on most of its exports, including automobiles. This agreement has eased fears of a broader trade war and is contributing to the current market optimism. Additionally, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart in Stockholm for the third round of trade talks, just ahead of a potential August 1st deadline for new mutual tariffs. This ongoing dialogue is also a source of market comfort.
Company-specific news includes Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) surging over 6% following a confirmed $16.5 billion semiconductor deal with Tesla (TSLA), underscoring continued interest in chip and AI infrastructure stocks. New Gold (NGD) and Alerus Financial (ALRS) are also scheduled to report earnings today. MaaT Pharma (MAAT) announced it secured a €37.5 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to advance its clinical program in hemato-oncology. Bavarian Nordic (BAVA) is subject to an all-cash takeover offer valuing the company at approximately DKK 19 billion. In India, Kotak Mahindra Bank (KOTAKBANK) reported a 48% year-on-year fall in standalone net profit for the June quarter, while Bajaj Finserv (BAJAJFINSV) posted a solid 30% year-on-year increase in net profit. Bank of Baroda (BANKBARODA) saw a modest 2% rise in profit. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is undergoing a major restructuring plan, including layoffs, to remain competitive.
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.