5 Key Points to Understand Before the Stock Market Begins Trading

U.S. stock futures are on the rise as investors eagerly await the release of the monthly jobs data and digest a slew of earnings reports. Apple (AAPL) shares are soaring after the tech giant announced better-than-expected earnings and unveiled a record buyback program. Meanwhile, Amgen (AMGN) is experiencing a surge in its stock price following an earnings beat and positive news about its experimental weight-loss drug MariTide, causing stocks in rivals Novo Nordisk (NVO) and Eli Lilly (LLY) to decline.

Cloudflare, on the other hand, is facing a sharp decline in its stock price after issuing a disappointing sales outlook for the current quarter. The company is struggling with enterprise customers tightening their budgets and facing stiff competition from cybersecurity giants like Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and CrowdStrike (CRWD).

In other news, Japan’s Sony Group (SONY) and private-equity firm Apollo Global Management have reportedly submitted an all-cash $26 billion offer for Paramount Global (PARA). This bid comes amidst exclusive merger talks between Paramount and Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, following the ousting of CEO Bob Bakish earlier this week.

Overall, investors are keeping a close eye on these developments as they navigate the current market landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as the day unfolds.