5 Key Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

5 Key Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

As of March 21, 2025, several crucial developments are influencing the stock market landscape:

1. U.S. Stock Futures Trending Lower

U.S. stock futures are signaling a lower close for the week. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones futures are down by 0.3%, following modest losses the previous day, though both indices are still on track to end the week with gains. On the other hand, Nasdaq futures are down 0.4%, extending the tech-heavy index’s 4-week losing streak.

Bitcoin has also dropped to around $84,000, and yields on the 10-year Treasury note have slipped to just above 4.2%. Additionally, oil and gold futures are also declining, reflecting a general downturn in commodities.

2. FedEx Shares Dive Following Profit and Revenue Miss

FedEx (FDX) shares plummeted by 8% in premarket trading due to weaker-than-expected earnings and a lowered full-year outlook. FedEx’s fiscal third-quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.51 missed expectations, despite revenue of $22.2 billion, which surpassed Visible Alpha estimates. The company has revised its revenue forecast downward, expecting flat or slightly negative year-over-year growth, and has also cut its profit outlook for the third consecutive quarter.

3. Nike Warns of Sales Weakness

Nike (NKE) shares dropped by 6% after the sneaker company warned of weaker sales ahead. On an earnings call, Nike’s CFO, Matt Friend, revealed that the company expects its current-quarter sales to decline by low-double-digit percentages, which is in line with the lower range of the “mid-teens” decline predicted by Visible Alpha.

This warning adds to the existing pressure on the company, as Nike shares have already fallen by approximately 30% over the past 12 months, impacted by ongoing uncertainties, including new tariffs and company restructuring efforts.

4. Micron Technology Slips Despite Strong Results

Micron Technology (MU) saw its shares drop by 3.5% in premarket trading, despite reporting better-than-expected earnings. The company’s fiscal second-quarter adjusted EPS of $1.56 and revenue of $8.05 billion exceeded Visible Alpha’s forecasts, with significant demand for AI-related chips driving sales in the data center segment, which tripled year-over-year.

Micron also issued optimistic guidance for the upcoming quarter, but it wasn’t enough to offset the market’s cautious sentiment, leading to the stock’s dip.

5. Heathrow Airport Shuts Down Due to Power Outage

London’s Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, experienced a full-day closure following a fire at a nearby substation, which caused a power outage. The disruption affected more than 1,350 flights, according to FlightRadar24. The airport is expected to remain closed until 11:59 PM local time on Friday (07:59 PM ET), causing widespread global travel disruptions.

By focusing on these essential points, investors can stay informed about the key developments affecting today’s Stock Market Opens  Each of these factors contributes to shaping the trading day, from corporate earnings disappointments to international logistical issues