By: Bithi
Published on: Jun 03, 2025
As the stock market gears up for a fresh session, a flurry of economic signals, corporate earnings, and geopolitical developments are shaping investor sentiment. From weakened economic growth forecasts and trade policy uncertainties to surging retail earnings and record-breaking stock performances, today’s premarket headlines offer critical insight into the forces likely to move markets. Here are five things you need to know before the stock market opens today:
U.S. stock futures are trading in the red ahead of Tuesday's market open, signaling a cautious tone among investors following a slew of sobering economic data and geopolitical developments. After Wall Street kicked off June with solid gains, futures have dipped modestly, suggesting a potential reversal at the opening bell.
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are down 0.2%.
S&P 500 futures are also lower by 0.2%.
Nasdaq 100 futures are sliding 0.1%.
This downward trend comes despite a positive Monday session that saw all three major indexes close higher. The pullback reflects growing concern among traders after the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) cut its global growth forecast and amid fresh trade tariff threats from former President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin (BTCUSD) continues to impress, trading over $105,000—another sign of investor interest in alternative assets amid inflation and macroeconomic uncertainty. Oil futures are rising, while 10-year U.S. Treasury yields and gold futures are slipping, reflecting a shift toward risk-sensitive assets.
Market takeaway: Watch for further movement tied to bond yields, energy prices, and macroeconomic headlines. The premarket action suggests a defensive posture ahead of potential volatility.
The OECD issued a sobering report early Tuesday, trimming its growth projections for both the U.S. and the global economy amid rising trade tensions and mounting geopolitical uncertainty.
U.S. GDP growth is expected to decelerate to 1.6% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026, a sharp drop from the 2.8% growth forecast for 2024.
In March, the OECD had projected 2.2% U.S. growth for 2025, making the latest revision a significant downgrade.
Global GDP is now forecast to grow 2.9% in 2025 and 2026, down from 3.3% previously.
The report cites tariff escalation and persistent policy uncertainty as the primary causes for the weakening economic outlook.
This data adds to concerns that the post-pandemic economic recovery is losing steam. With global supply chains still vulnerable and inflationary pressures lingering, the prospect of increased tariffs further complicates central banks’ efforts to stabilize markets.
Investor strategy tip: Growth-sensitive sectors like technology and consumer discretionary could come under pressure if these forecasts materialize. Conversely, defensive sectors such as utilities and healthcare may see increased inflows.
Dollar General (NYSE: DG) is providing a bright spot in an otherwise muted premarket, with shares jumping 11% after a strong Q1 earnings report that beat analyst expectations across the board.
Earnings per Share (EPS): $1.78 (vs. $1.47 estimated)
Revenue: $10.44 billion (vs. $10.26 billion expected)
Year-over-year sales growth: +5%
The company also lifted its full-year guidance, raising the lower end of its EPS range by 10 cents to $5.20-$5.80 and boosting its expected net sales growth to 3.7%-4.7%.
This beat underscores Dollar General's resilience in a high-inflation environment where consumers are leaning into discount retailers. The earnings surprise signals healthy foot traffic, effective cost management, and competitive pricing—all positive signs for the broader retail sector.
Market insight: Discount retail is emerging as a defensive play in an uncertain economic environment. Keep an eye on peer stocks like Dollar Tree (DLTR), Walmart (WMT), and Costco (COST) for potential sympathy moves.
Automakers General Motors (GM), Ford (F), and Stellantis (STLA) are on watch today after all three saw their stock prices tumble Monday in response to former President Donald Trump’s comments about doubling tariffs on imported steel. Trump proposed raising U.S. steel tariffs from 25% to 50% if elected, raising red flags for an industry heavily reliant on steel as a key manufacturing input.
GM: -4%
Ford: -4%
Stellantis: -3.6%
These companies are now seeing premarket declines as traders brace for elevated input costs that could squeeze margins and potentially lead to higher vehicle prices at a time when demand is already under pressure.
Automakers are particularly vulnerable to global trade tensions given their complex international supply chains. With tariffs potentially spiking raw material costs, profit forecasts could be revised downward if such policies are enacted.
Key sectors to watch:
Automotive stocks: Investors may rotate out of OEMs and into suppliers less exposed to raw material cost volatility.
Steel stocks like U.S. Steel (X) or Nucor (NUE) could benefit from potential protectionist policies.
Palantir Technologies (NYSE: PLTR) is making waves as its stock notched another record high Monday, closing at $132.04, up 0.2% after an 8% surge on Friday. The move reflects investor confidence in the company’s continued growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and government contracting.
Stock price has doubled since early April.
Up 75% year-to-date.
Foundry platform reportedly integrated into at least four U.S. federal agencies, per The New York Times.
Palantir’s AI-powered data analytics solutions have attracted interest from both public and private sectors, fueling expectations of long-term revenue expansion. As AI continues to disrupt traditional business models, Palantir has emerged as a key player in defense, healthcare, and logistics sectors.
Investment takeaway: AI momentum is helping Palantir trade at elevated valuations, but future moves will hinge on actual deal flow, profit margins, and competitive dynamics in the enterprise AI space. Traders should monitor key resistance and support levels, as volatility is likely to persist.
Today’s premarket landscape is dominated by macro risk, retail strength, and AI optimism. With stock futures edging lower on growth concerns, and sector-specific headlines driving major moves, investors should prepare for a potentially choppy trading session.
Here’s a quick recap of what’s moving the markets today:
U.S. futures lower on OECD’s grim economic forecast.
Dollar General shines with better-than-expected earnings.
Automakers under pressure on Trump’s steel tariff comments.
Palantir rallies to record highs amid AI hype.
Bitcoin and oil showing strength, while gold and Treasuries retreat.
Strategy Tip: Stay nimble. Consider rebalancing portfolios with a tilt toward defensive sectors and inflation-resilient assets. Monitor upcoming macroeconomic reports and Fed commentary closely to gauge market direction.
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