5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

Stock futures are surging this morning after Nvidia’s highly anticipated quarterly results and outlook handily topped Wall Street expectations; Walmart released results that beat analysts’ estimates on the top and bottom lines; the jobs report for September is finally set to arrive after its release was delayed by the government shutdown; and shares of Palo Alto Networks are losing ground after the cybersecurity firm released earnings and announced an acquisition. Here’s what investors need to know today.

Stocks Surge As Investors Cheer Blockbuster Report From Nvidia

Stocks futures are pointing to a sharply higher open for major indexes this morning after AI darling Nvidia’s (NVDA) earnings report and outlook, released after yesterday’s closing bell, blew past expectations. The strong numbers from the chip giant are giving a boost to technology stocks broadly, amid revived confidence in the AI trade that has sent stocks to a series of record highs this year. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500, which each snapped four-day losing streaks yesterday, were recently up 0.7% and 1.3%, respectively. Futures linked to the tech-heavy Nasdaq were up 1.8%. Bitcoin was at $91,600 recently, after falling to its lowest level since April below $90,000 yesterday. Gold futures were down slightly at 4,075 an ounce, while the yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which affects borrowing costs on a range of consumer loans, was little changed at 4.14%.

Nvidia Stock Jumps After Earnings, Lifting Tech Sector

Nvidia shares are surging Thursday after the chipmaker’s fiscal 2026 third quarter results handily topped estimates, temporarily cooling fears of an AI bubble that have shaken markets and slowed tech stocks in recent weeks. Third-quarter revenue of $57 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.30 were each higher than analysts had estimated, as the company at the center of the AI boom managed to exceed sky-high expectations. Nvidia projected revenue in the current quarter of $65 billion, with CEO Jensen Huang saying that sales of its Blackwell AI platform are “off the charts.” Nvidia shares were up more than 5% in recent premarket trading, while other chip stocks, including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Broadcom (AVGO), Arm Holdings (ARM) and Micron Technology (MU) also rose sharply. All of the Magnificent 7 stocks were gaining ground this morning.

Walmart Tops Q3 Estimates, Announces Shift of Listing From NYSE to Nasdaq

Walmart (WMT), which recently announced the departure of long-time CEO Doug McMillon, this morning reported results that topped analysts’ expectations. The retail giant reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.62 on revenue of $179.5, each better than analysts had forecast. Comparable sales rose 4% from the same time a year ago, also just above the analyst consensus. Also on Thursday, Walmart announced plans to shift its listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq, retaining its “WMT” ticker and expecting to complete the move by Dec. 9. Walmart shares—which have gained about 11% this year, slightly lagging the performance of the S&P 500—were up less than 1% in recent premarket trading.

Delayed September Jobs Report Due Out This Morning

The long-delayed jobs report for September is due out this morning at 8:30 a.m. ET. The report was initially scheduled for release on October 3, but the onset of the 43-day government shutdown delayed that and other economic data from being released, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics saying some October data may never be released. U.S. employers are projected to have added around 51,000 jobs in September, above the 22,000 added in August but still well below the average mark of 147,000 for the last year through April 2025. The unemployment rate is expected to remain around 4.3%. The jobs numbers will factor into the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates at its next meeting on Dec. 9 and 10. Fed officials seem to be split on whether to cut or hold rates steady.

Palo Alto Networks Stock Slips After Earnings, Acquisition

Shares of Palo Alto Networks (PANW) are down this morning after the cybersecurity firm’ released its quarterly results and announced an acquisition. The company reported $2.47 billion in revenue for its first quarter of fiscal 2026, in line with analysts’ estimates, and adjusted earnings per share of $0.93, slightly better than expected. Its forecasts for the second quarter and full fiscal year were also roughly in line with the analyst consensus, but investors may have been hoping for more impressive projections. The software maker also announced plans to acquire AI cybersecurity company Chronosphere for $3.35 billion. Palo Alto stock was down 3% before the bell.