Market futures dropped Thursday morning as disappointing earnings from a major semiconductor company weighed heavily on technology stocks, interrupting Wall Street’s recent surge to all-time highs.
The chipmaker’s shares plummeted 12.4% in early trading after the company failed to meet revenue expectations, despite maintaining its ambitious $100 billion sales projection for artificial intelligence semiconductors. The stock, which had surged nearly 55% during the current quarter, faced potential market value losses exceeding $270 billion if the decline continued throughout the trading day.
“Broadcom is finding that meeting and even slightly beating forecasts is not enough when the market is holding it to such a high standard,” said AJ Bell, head of markets Dan Coatsworth.
The market’s impressive run came to a halt this week, threatening to end the S&P 500’s streak of nine consecutive weekly advances. Investors remained cautious amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
Despite reaching a ceasefire agreement in early April, negotiations to conclude the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz have shown minimal advancement, raising concerns about sustained elevated oil prices and increased inflation pressures.
As of 5:16 a.m. Eastern Time, Dow E-mini contracts gained 120 points or 0.24%, while S&P 500 E-minis declined 37 points or 0.49%. Nasdaq 100 E-minis fell 376 points or 1.23%.
Wednesday’s ISM survey revealed growth in the U.S. services sector during May. Thursday’s weekly unemployment claims report will provide the final economic indicator before Friday’s comprehensive monthly jobs data.
These employment figures will offer Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh new insights into the labor market as he prepares for his inaugural policy meeting this month, occurring while American consumers face pressure from conflict-related price increases.
Market participants anticipate a 75% probability of a 25 basis point interest rate increase before year-end, according to LSEG data.
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly are scheduled to speak Thursday, representing their final public appearances before the Fed enters its pre-meeting quiet period.
In other market movements, cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike dropped 10% following reports of increased first-quarter operational costs.
An investor presentation for Elon Musk’s SpaceX launches Thursday in preparation for its June 12 market debut. The company seeks to raise $75 billion through a record-setting initial public offering that would establish a $1.75 trillion valuation, positioning it among the nation’s top 10 publicly traded companies.
