5 things to know before the stock market opens

Stock futures were little changed this morning after major indexes rose sharply to start the week. The US government shutdown has entered its 21st day, with a senior White House adviser predicting an end to the budget impasse this week; Apple (AAPL) shares remain in the spotlight after hitting a record high on news of strong iPhone 17 sales; General Motors ( GM ) shares rose after the automaker reported better-than-expected earnings and raised its full-year forecast. Netflix (NFLX) is expected to report strong results after the closing bell as it continues to increase ad revenue. Here’s what you need to know today.

1. Stock futures are flat after major indexes rose to start the week

Stock futures are trading on the water this morning after major indexes jumped to start the week with shares of Apple and other technology companies rising. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq, which each rose more than 1% yesterday, were slightly higher in recent trading. Gold futures fell 2% to $4,275 an ounce, as the precious metal retreated from record levels amid a stock market rally. Bitcoin (BTCUSD) price reached $108,500, down from yesterday’s high of approximately $111,700. The 10-year Treasury yield, which can affect borrowing costs for a range of consumer loans, continued to trade near six-month lows at around 3.98%.

2. The government shutdown concludes the third week, as the White House official expected it would soon

The US government shutdown entered its 21st day on Tuesday amid hopes that the budget dispute could be resolved this week. White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett said CNBC On Monday, the closure “will likely end sometime this week.” Hassett said the White House is prepared to take stronger measures to force an end to the lockdown if an agreement is not reached this week. Meanwhile, the government shutdown continues to impact the release of many economic reports from statistical agencies, with data on weekly unemployment claims, retail sales and housing starts delayed due to the shutdown. Market watchers are expected to receive inflation data on Friday.

3. Apple shares are in focus after reaching a record high thanks to strong iPhone sales

Apple (AAPL) shares fell modestly in premarket trading after closing at a record high Monday following a report showing strong sales for the iPhone 17. Apple shares rose nearly 4% yesterday, hitting a new high for the first time in 2025 and lifting the company’s market value to nearly $4 trillion. A report by tech product research firm Counterpoint Research showed that iPhone 17 sales in the US and China during the first 10 days of availability were 14% higher than iPhone 16 sales during the corresponding period. Apple shares fell 0.2% before the opening bell.

4. General Motors shares jump thanks to strong earnings and improved guidance

General Motors ( GM ) shares rose in premarket trading after the Big Three automaker reported better-than-expected earnings and raised its full-year guidance. GM reported third-quarter revenue of $48.59 billion, beating Visible Alpha’s forecast of $45.02 billion, while earnings per share (EPS) of $2.80 beat analysts’ expectations of $2.25. GM also raised its full-year forecast for adjusted earnings before interest and taxes to between $12 billion and $13 billion, compared to its previous forecast of $10 billion to $12.5 billion, while adjusted earnings per share are now expected to reach $9.75 to $10.50, beating the previous forecast of $8.25 to $10. The strong earnings report comes after GM warned it would take a charge of up to $1.6 billion due to lower demand for electric vehicle sales. GM shares rose more than 11% in recent premarket trading.

5. Netflix is ​​expected to report strong earnings amid increasing ad revenue

Netflix (NFLX) is set to release its third-quarter results after the closing bell, with Wall Street analysts anticipating another strong report from the streaming giant. Netflix has forecast that its advertising revenue could double this year, and investors will be eager to hear the company’s latest guidance. Analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha expect Netflix to report third-quarter revenue of $11.52 billion, up 17% from the same quarter last year, while earnings per share are expected to rise 28% to $6.92. Netflix shares, which have gained nearly 40% since the beginning of the year, rose 0.8% in recent premarket trading.