On the first day of trading in July 2025, the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up to near 42,100 points at the open. Investors are waiting as new economic reports and corporate earnings start defining third-quarter expectations.
Defense Contract News Pushes Boeing (BA) Higher
Boeing was up 2.3 percent in early trading after the aerospace giant won a $9 billion Air Force contract to supply next-generation fighter jets. The deal helps to soften the blow of recent delays in deliveries of commercial aircraft and bolsters the company’s revenue outlook for its defense unit.
(AAPL) Continues AI Momentum
Apple shares rose 1.8% as pre-orders for its AI-powered iPhone 17 topped Wall Street estimates. Its dominance in integrating AI is at a quickening pace in the rest of the business is making investors excited about the growth again.
Microsoft (MSFT) Flat Ahead of Cloud Report
Microsoft stock didn’t do much on Tuesday ahead of tomorrow’s earnings preview for its Azure cloud division. Wall Street predicts 21% year-over-year growth in cloud revenues, and will be looking for indications of how quickly customers are signing up for AI services.
JPMorgan (JPM) Gains on Rate Hike Hopes
JPMorgan Chase rose 1.2% as bond markets continue to price in a September rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Banking shares were generally higher than expectations of better lending margins in the upcoming quarter’s results.
Walmart (WMT) Eyes Consumer Data
Shares of Walmart rose 0.6% ahead of Tuesday’s release of the Consumer Confidence Index. Because it is the largest retailer in the nation, Walmart’s performance is often a reflection of overall spending, particularly as the back-to-school shopping season kicks off.
Intel (INTC) Sinks on Chip Delay Fears
Intel shares dropped 2.8% after reports of possible delays in its next-generation processors. The semiconductor manufacturer has scheduled an afternoon conference call to discuss the rumors, which, if true, could affect its competitive position against AMD and Nvidia.
Tesla (TSLA) Influences Market Sentiment
Not a Dow component, shares of Tesla also jumped 5.1% after the electric car maker reported record deliveries, which brightened the mood of the overall market. Solid results from the EV maker helped boost shares of companies in the industrial and technology sectors.
Important Economic Data Is Due at 10 A.M.
The June Manufacturing PMI report, which is due this morning, could drive trading. Readings over 50 (indicating expansion) could buoy industrial stocks, while weaker numbers could revive recession fears.
Fed Speeches in Focus Today
Three Federal Reserve officials are set to deliver remarks, including voting member Mary Daly. Investors will be watching for clues on timing for potential rate cuts, which could have an outsized impact on financial and real estate stocks.
Oil Price Dismay in the Energy Industry
Chevron shares gained 1.1 percent as Brent crude edged toward $85 a barrel. But airline stocks fell on concerns about fuel costs: United Airlines dropped 0.9 percent in early trading.
Afternoon Earnings: Coca-Cola in Spotlight
Coca-Cola will report after the close of trading, and analysts expect that strong summer beverage sales will more than offset declines. The company’s guidance for the rest of 2025 will be watched closely for evidence that consumer demand patterns have shifted.
Technical Resistance at 42,100
The Dow is heading for a key resistance level at 42,100. Algorithmic buying could push for a breakout, a failure to hold above here, then we might see some profit taking after June’s gains.
Holiday Week Trading Considerations
Between that and all the institutional folks heading out for what could be a four-day weekend for some, volume is going to get light, and we could see outsized moves in both directions come Friday.
