U.S. stock futures are pointing to a higher open, driven by softer global inflation data that is fueling optimism for potential central bank rate cuts. This positive sentiment is lifting markets ahead of key economic data later today.
Stocks to Watch:
- Global Payments Inc.: Surged over 7% premarket after exceeding Q4 earnings estimates and projecting upbeat growth for 2026.
- Fiserv, Inc.: Jumped nearly 7% after activist investor Jana Partners disclosed a new stake in the company.
- Southwest Airlines Co.: Climbed over 6% following an upgraded "Buy" rating from analysts at UBS.
- Palo Alto Networks, Inc.: Dipped 8% as a weaker-than-expected earnings outlook overshadowed its quarterly revenue growth.
- NVIDIA Corporation: Rose 2% after announcing a new multi-year AI infrastructure partnership with Meta.
Looking ahead, traders will be closely watching for the release of the Federal Reserve's latest meeting minutes for insights into the central bank's future monetary policy path.