The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a rise in futures as investors anticipate the upcoming Federal Reserve policy meeting. Meanwhile, Tesla has been named the "top pick" among U.S. automakers by Morgan Stanley, replacing Ford in this prestigious position.
Key Takeaways
- Dow Jones futures rise ahead of the Federal Reserve policy meeting.
- Tesla named "top pick" by Morgan Stanley, replacing Ford.
- Significant earnings reports expected from major companies this week.
Market Overview
On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a slight decline of 0.1%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite saw gains of 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively. The 10-year Treasury yield also ticked lower to 4.15%, and oil prices eased with West Texas Intermediate futures trading around $77 a barrel.
Tesla’s New Status
Tesla stock rallied by 3% on Monday morning after Morgan Stanley named it their new "top pick" among U.S. automakers, replacing Ford. The brokerage cited a 40% upside to the firm’s $310 price target and noted "more managed" expectations on autos and emerging value stimulants. However, Morgan Stanley also mentioned that near-term expectations around full self-driving vehicles and robotaxis might be too high.
Upcoming Federal Reserve Meeting
The two-day Federal Reserve policy meeting, which begins on Tuesday, is expected to be the week’s biggest news. A policy announcement is anticipated on Wednesday, and the Labor Department is due to report July payrolls on Friday.
Earnings Reports to Watch
This week will see significant earnings reports from major companies, including:
- Tech Giants: Apple, Intel, Microsoft
- Blue-Chip Components: Boeing, Merck, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble
- Magnificent Seven Players: Amazon, Meta Platforms
Key earnings movers on Monday included McDonald’s, On Semiconductor, and Philips, with notable gains in their stock prices.
Stock Market Performance
On Friday, the Nasdaq composite rallied 1%, the S&P 500 surged 1.1%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a 1.6% increase. Despite these gains, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq experienced weekly losses. Investors are advised to hold exposure to the 40% to 60% level amid the ongoing market action.
Best Stocks to Watch
Among the best companies to watch on the stock market today are:
- Badger Meter
- GE Aerospace
- ServiceNow
- Tenet Healthcare
- Toll Brothers
Dow Jones Leaders
Among Dow components, American Express regained a flat base’s 244.41 entry, while IBM staged a breakout following its earnings report. Outside the Dow Jones index, Badger Meter, GE Aerospace, ServiceNow, Tenet Healthcare, and Toll Brothers showed promising performance.
Magnificent Seven Stocks
Nvidia, a member of the Magnificent Seven, saw a 0.4% rise in morning trade. However, the stock closed below its 50-day line on Friday, experiencing sharp losses last week.
Conclusion
As the Federal Reserve meeting looms, the stock market is poised for significant movements. Tesla’s new status as Morgan Stanley’s "top pick" adds an interesting dynamic to the auto industry. Investors should keep an eye on the upcoming earnings reports and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Sources
- Stock Market Today: Dow Jones Falls As Fed Meeting Looms; Tesla Called ‘Top Pick’| Investor’s Business Daily, Investor’s Business Daily.
- Tesla Stock Just Replaced Ford As Morgan Stanley’s ‘Top Pick’ In U.S. Autos | Investor’s Business Daily, Investor’s Business Daily.