E-Mini

Stock index futures climbed today on the heels of news the U.S. struck a trade deal with Japan. The September E-mini Dow Jones contract rose more than 450 points, a ±$2,250-per contract move (>1%) and nearing its first record close of 2025. The E-mini S&P 500 moved up ±45 points, also a ±$2,250-point move and the E-mini Nasdaq rose ±60 points, both once again pacing for record closes.

Futures are readying for a big test in Google-parent Alphabet and Tesla’s earnings due after the bell, the first of the “Magnificent Seven” to report.

Energy:

Natural Gas

With elevated supply overshadowing demand, August natural gas futures floundered through midday today trading lower for a third consecutive session this week to an intraday low of $3.061, nearing an 8-month low of $2.974 posted intraday on Nov.4, 2024. The contract has made a ±$20,000 move down after trading briefly above $5.000 in early March.

Metals:

Gold

While gold futures are up around 30% so far this year (credit the global trade war, geopolitical risks and central bank buying as key drivers for the precious metals’ rally, that same trade deal saw Dec. Gold register a ±$45 per ounce loss today and once again trading back near $3,400 per ounce.

Copper futures hit a new record today as the U.S. market continues to brace itself for a 50% tariff next month. The most active September contracts on the CME soared as much to $5.930 per lb., a new all-time intraday high.