5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

Stock futures are lower this morning while oil prices are rising as investors keep tabs on developments in the Middle East; Broadcom shares are surging after the chipmaker reported better-than-expected results fueled by booming AI-related sales; Stubhub stock is plunging after a weak earnings report; retail giant Costco is scheduled to release its quarterly results after the closing bell; and China is forecasting weaker economic growth. Here's what you need to know today.

Stock Futures Slip After Yesterday's Rally

Stock futures are losing ground after major indexes rebounded yesterday from an early-week sell-off, as investors continue to assess the potential impact of the escalating armed conflict in the Middle East. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average were down 0.6% recently, while those linked to the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq declined 0.3%. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures, the U.S. benchmark, were up more than 3% at around $77 per barrel, trading at their highest level in more than a year amid concerns that the war could disrupt supplies, sparking inflation and weighing on economic activity. Bitcoin was holding steady at around $73,000 after surging yesterday, while gold futures rose 0.6% to $5,165 an ounce. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which affects interest rates on all sorts of loans, was at 4.13%, up from 4.08% at yesterday's close and trading at its highest level in three weeks.

Broadcom Stock Surges on Strong AI Sales

Broadcom (AVGO) shares are jumping after the chipmaker delivered a better-than-expected earnings report on the back of strong AI sales. Broadcom posted adjusted earnings per share of $2.05 as revenue surged 29% year-over-year to a record $19.31 billion, both above analyst estimates compiled by Visible Alpha. The supplier for Meta (Meta) and Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google forecast current quarter revenue of $22 billion, also beating estimates. Through Wednesday's close, Broadcom shares were down 8% since the start of the year amid a broader pullback in many AI-exposed stocks. Broadcom shares were up 6% in recent premarket trading.

StubHub Shares Drop After Weak Results

Shares of StubHub (STUB) plunged after the ticket seller posted a loss for the 2025 fourth quarter as the company moves forward with its strategy to invest in product development. StubHub posted a $535 million net loss, compared to the $2.96 million profit that analysts expected, per Visible Alpha, while its sales of $449 million also fell short of expectations. CEO Eric Baker said that the company was employing a “disciplined and strategic approach” to product development that would position the firm to “deliver sustainable long-term value.” StubHub shares were down 14% before the bell.

Costco Set to Release Earnings Today

Retail giant Costco (COST) is scheduled to release its earnings report after markets close today. Analysts on average expect Costco to report an 8% increase in sales for its fiscal 2026 second quarter, while adjusted earnings per share are seen rising 12% to $4.53, according to Visible Alpha. Following a downbeat 2025, the membership retailer’s shares are up 17% since the start of this year. The stock was down slightly in premarket trading today.

China Sets Lowest Growth Target Since 1990s

China set its lowest target for economic growth since the 1990s, signaling that the country is preparing for a period of slower expansion, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Beijing set its 2026 target for gross domestic product growth at 4.5% to 5%. China reported that it grew its economy by 5% in 2025 despite the trade war with the U.S. China is the world's second-largest economy, and a slowdown in growth would affect global economic activity.

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