Thursday's Market Focus: Stocks to Watch - USB, ABT, GE, NFLX

Stock index futures are volatile on Thursday after a mixed performance on Wednesday. Four stocks to watch include U.S. Bancorp (USB), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), General Electric (GE), and Netflix (NFLX). The stocks have faced various challenges in recent times, including market pressures and competition. Investors should keep an eye on these stocks for potential opportunities.

Stock index futures climbed on Thursday, driven by positive sentiment following Nvidia's announcement that it will resume sales of its H20 AI chip to China. The September S&P 500 E-Mini futures (ESU25) and September Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures (NQU25) both rose by 0.39% and 0.56%, respectively [1].

Nvidia (NVDA) gained over 5% in pre-market trading after the chip maker said it plans to restart sales of its H20 AI chip in China. The move comes following assurances from Washington that export licenses would be granted. Other chip stocks, such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Marvell Technology (MRVL), and Arm Holdings (ARM), also advanced in pre-market trading [1].

Investors are also keeping an eye on key U.S. inflation data and earnings reports from major U.S. banks. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack indicated that further declines in inflation are needed before supporting an interest rate cut. The U.S. rate futures have priced in a 95.3% probability of no rate change and a 4.7% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the July FOMC meeting [1].

The second-quarter corporate earnings season is underway, with some of the biggest U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Wells Fargo (WFC), and Citigroup (C), slated to report their quarterly results today. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, companies in the S&P 500 are expected to post an average +2.8% increase in quarterly earnings for Q2 compared to the previous year, marking the smallest rise in two years [1].

In addition to earnings reports, the U.S. consumer inflation report, set to be released in a couple of hours, is closely scrutinized for any indications of whether tariffs are already driving up prices and what implications this could have for U.S. interest rates. Economists forecast that the U.S. June CPI will come in at +0.3% m/m and +2.6% y/y [1].

Stocks to Watch

1. U.S. Bancorp (USB) - The stock has faced market pressures and competition, making it a potential opportunity for investors.
2. Abbott Laboratories (ABT) - The company has faced various challenges but could present investment opportunities.
3. General Electric (GE) - GE has faced market pressures and competition, making it a stock to watch.
4. Netflix (NFLX) - The stock has faced challenges but remains a significant player in the streaming market.

Investors should keep an eye on these stocks for potential opportunities, as they have shown resilience despite facing various challenges [1].

References
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stock-index-futures-climb-nvidia-100616521.html