Goldman Sachs is set to report second-quarter earnings, with Wall Street expecting strong results due to a rebound in investment banking and trading. Analysts project earnings of $8.34 per share and revenue of $12.46 billion. The focus will be on trading revenue, investment banking, and asset and wealth management performance. Goldman’s heavy reliance on these sectors positions it to potentially benefit from the industry’s recovery. Recent positive results from JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup have set high expectations for Goldman Sachs’ report.
Google is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Wiz, a rapidly growing cybersecurity company, for $23 billion. Founded in 2020, Wiz specializes in cloud security and has attracted significant investment. If completed, this would be Google’s largest acquisition to date, highlighting its focus on cybersecurity amid increasing digital threats. The deal comes despite Google facing antitrust scrutiny, suggesting a renewed interest in major acquisitions. Wiz’s cloud security expertise could significantly enhance Google’s cybersecurity offerings, building on its previous acquisition of Mandiant.
Stock futures increased as investors assessed the impact of the assassination attempt on former President Trump and prepared for a week of corporate earnings. The incident is expected to boost Trump’s poll numbers ahead of the November election. Insurers like Humana and UnitedHealth Group saw gains in premarket trading, potentially benefiting from a Republican administration. The market’s recent rally has been fueled by easing inflation data and rate-cut expectations, with the Dow reaching a new all-time high above 40,000.
U.S. Treasury yields showed mixed movement as investors assessed the potential economic impact of the assassination attempt on former President Trump and anticipated upcoming Federal Reserve official statements. While some speculate the incident could boost Trump’s election chances, investors remain primarily focused on inflation and interest rate policies. The market is particularly attentive to upcoming remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, seeking insights on potential rate cuts. Recent inflation data showed unexpected declines in CPI but higher-than-expected PPI, adding complexity to the economic outlook.
Crude oil prices declined as the dollar strengthened following the attack on Donald Trump. Weak Chinese demand and ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks also influenced oil markets. Gold prices remained relatively stable, with investors awaiting Federal Reserve comments and economic data for interest rate insights. Both commodities are affected by global political and economic uncertainties, including U.S. election developments, Middle East tensions, and China’s economic slowdown. These factors underscore the complex array of influences currently shaping commodity markets.
James is a Florida-based technical analyst, market researcher, educator and trader with 35+ years of experience. He is an expert in the area of patterns, price and time analysis as it applies to futures, Forex, and stocks.