5 things to know before the stock market opens Thursday | Wilnesh News

Here are the most important news investors need to start their trading day:

The market has remained largely stable after a sell-off earlier this month triggered by economic concerns. The three major U.S. stock indexes rose again on Wednesday as investors expected the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates at its September meeting. All eyes will turn to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s comments at the Jackson Hole central bank symposium on Friday for clues on the extent of the rate cut. this S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq Thursday posted its ninth positive trading day in 10 years, while Dow Jones Industrial Average This is the sixth Victory Day in seven years. Follow live market updates here.

A rate cut in September looks almost certain. Minutes of the July meeting of Federal Reserve policymakers indicated that if economic data continues to meet expectations, the central bank will “likely” ease monetary policy. Many Fed officials seemed confident that inflation was falling toward the bank’s 2% target, while others noted that the labor market appeared to be weakening. Hours before the Fed minutes were released, the Labor Department said the U.S. economy created 818,000 fewer jobs in the 12 months through March than initially reported. While the numbers still paint a picture of solid job growth, they heighten expectations that the Fed will soon lower borrowing rates.

Across the U.S. auto industry, companies are scaling back their electric vehicle ambitions. The latest move came on Wednesday, when Ford It said it would delay production of electric trucks at a new plant in Tennessee and cancel plans for a three-row electric SUV. The Detroit automaker said it would focus on hybrids and commercial electric vehicles, a move that Chief Financial Officer John Lawler said would allow Ford to “focus on areas where we have a competitive advantage.” The company said it would take a $400 million special non-cash charge related to the move.

Paramount WorldwideThe takeover saga is not yet complete. The company extended its window to receive competing offers for its merger agreement with Skydance by 15 days. The move comes as the company reviews a bid from media executive Edgar Bronfman Jr. Paramount agreed to merge with Skydance in July after months of negotiations.

Pelotonchanges are beginning to appear. The connected fitness company said it slashed losses in its fiscal fourth quarter and will focus on profits rather than growth in the coming year, sending its shares soaring. Peloton’s sales also increased for the first time since the 2021 holiday quarter (and only slightly). consumer habits.