5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

• Dell stock soared after reporting revenue of $43.8 billion, nearly double year-ago levels, driven by booming demand for AI servers and beating analyst expectations
• The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are on track for their second consecutive month of solid gains, up 5% and 8% respectively in May, following April increases of 10% and 15%
• Gap shares declined after posting weak first-quarter earnings and cutting its full-year sales outlook, while Blue Origin suffered a setback as its New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad in Florida

Market Summary: Stock Futures Edge Higher as May Closes Strong

Key Market Movements

Stock futures traded modestly higher Friday, with Dow futures up 0.3% and S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures gaining 0.1% each. Major indexes closed at record highs for the second consecutive day, positioning for strong monthly performance. The 10-year Treasury yield held steady at 4.45%.

Monthly Performance

May is set to deliver significant gains across all major indexes:

• S&P 500: +5% (following +10% in April)
• Nasdaq Composite: +8% (after +15% surge in April)
• Dow Jones: +2% (following +7% in April)

The S&P 500 is poised for its ninth consecutive week of gains, driven by strong tech sector performance, resilient economic data, and better-than-expected corporate earnings.

Commodity and Crypto Markets

• WTI Crude: Down 1.2% to $87.80/barrel amid reports of potential U.S.-Iran ceasefire extension
• Gold: Up slightly to $4,560/ounce
• Bitcoin: Trading at $73,300 after touching $72,500, its lowest level in over a month

Company-Specific News

Dell (DELL): Shares surged after reporting $43.8 billion in revenue—nearly double year-ago levels—driven by booming AI server demand. Adjusted earnings exceeded analyst expectations.

Gap (GAP): Stock declined following lackluster Q1 results and reduced full-year sales guidance. The company reported adjusted EPS of $0.38.

Blue Origin: Jeff Bezos' space company experienced a setback when its New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad in Florida. No injuries were reported, marking another challenge following a recent deployment failure.

Market Outlook

Investors continue showing confidence despite geopolitical concerns, with tech stocks leading the rally and corporate earnings supporting broader market strength.