Good Morning, Traders!…👋

U.S. stock futures ticked slightly lower Friday, while oil prices pushed higher, as investors remained cautious over potential U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. European leaders are urging diplomatic solutions, but markets are still on edge.

Crude prices rebounded, with Brent and West Texas Intermediate each up over 1%, as traders priced in the risk of supply disruptions should Iran act to block the Strait of Hormuz — a key chokepoint for global oil shipments.

Wall Street also continues to process Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s comments following the Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady on Wednesday. Powell emphasized a data-driven approach to future policy moves, noting that it’s too soon to consider easing. Traders now largely expect a rate cut by September, according to CME Group data.

On the economic front, investors will be watching Friday morning’s releases of the Philadelphia Fed’s June manufacturing index and the Conference Board’s Leading Economic Indicators for May, both of which could provide fresh clues on the direction of the U.S. economy.

Earnings Watch

Earnings hit today from Accenture $ACN, Darden Restaurants $DRI, and CarMax $KMX before open, with no major reports after close.

Analysts expect ACN to post $3.32 EPS with IT strength, DRI to hit $2.94 EPS on dining demand, and KMX at $0.85 EPS with used-car sales.

Happening Today

✓ 08:30 AM ET – Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (Jun)

✓ 08:30 AM ET – Philly Fed Employment (Jun)

✓ 10:00 AM ET – US Leading Index (MoM) (May)

✓ 01:00 PM ET – U.S. Baker Hughes Oil Rig Count

✓ 04:30 PM ET – Fed's Balance Sheet

PREMARKET SNAPSHOT 📈

U.S. equity futures opened slightly lower this morning as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East reignited with renewed Israel–Iran hostilities, sending oil prices higher. Investors are also positioned cautiously ahead of the Fed’s interest-rate decision, with central bankers signaling resistance to cutting rates despite inflation risks.

SECTOR SNAPSHOT✨

Markets were mixed with modest moves across sectors. Gains in tech, real estate, and utilities offered some support, but declines in energy, communication services, and industrials kept broader sentiment subdued. Financials ended flat, showing little momentum either way.

PreMarket Unusual Volume Stocks

📈 Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. ($WHLR) is surging +121.35% with 4.11M shares traded—nearly 3,964% above average. This REIT is making a massive comeback move, likely driven by a major corporate update or speculative buying spree.

📈 TMC the metals company Inc. ($TMC) is up +6.81% on 232.53K volume, spiking 248% higher than usual. With growing interest in critical minerals, traders may be betting on this deep-sea mining name for long-term upside.

📈 New Horizon Aircraft Ltd. ($HOVR) jumps +12.72% in pre-market action with volume at 1.87M, up 198%. The eVTOL space is heating up again, and this name could be attracting early speculative inflows.

📈 Neo-Concept International Group Holdings Limited ($NCI) posts a +8.51% gain as 888.16K shares change hands—179% higher than its norm. Volume is building as investor curiosity rises around the company's fundamentals or potential catalyst.

📈 Jeffs' Brands Ltd ($JFBR) is up +9.62% on 1.43M shares, a 96% increase in volume. While not explosive yet, this uptick in both price and interest hints at growing momentum.

Premarket Picks

Processa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PCSA) surged 30.53% in pre-market trading, reaching $0.32. The jump follows the company’s recent SEC filing, sparking investor interest.

GMS Inc. (GMS) climbed 23.40% before the market opened, trading at $99.95. The surge comes after GMS confirmed an unsolicited acquisition proposal from QXO, Inc., offering $95.20 per share in cash.

Innoviz Technologies Ltd. (INVZ) saw a 10.61% pre-market boost, rising to $1.46. The increase comes on the heels of a newly announced partnership with AIoT and robotics cloud platform Cogniteam Ltd.

Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited (MMA) jumped 14.71% in pre-market action, trading at $1.17. The rise follows the company’s announcement of a successful $5 million underwritten offering.

Below is a complete list of hot stocks in pre-market today:

Top Upgrades:

1. Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Analyst Firm: First Shanghai
Upgraded: Hold to Buy
Price Target: $230
Thursday's Close: $196.58

First Shanghai Securities raised its rating on Apple from Hold to Buy and set a new price target of $230. Apple Inc., a global leader in consumer electronics, continues to attract strong attention from analysts. The stock price target ranges from a low of $141.00 to a high of $275.00, with a median target of $235.00 and an average of $228.26. Apple’s diverse portfolio includes phones, computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories.

2. Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ)

Analyst Firm: Wells Fargo
Upgraded: Equal Weight to Overweight
Price Target: $78
Thursday's Close: $66.35

Wells Fargo analyst Chris Carey upgraded Mondelez from Equal Weight to Overweight, increasing the price target from $68 to $78. Mondelez International, known for its popular snacks and beverages, has a stock price target ranging from $66.00 on the low end to $81.00 on the high end. The median target is $73.00, while the average sits at $72.50. The company markets its products worldwide through a range of subsidiaries.

3. EPR Properties (EPR)

Analyst Firm: Stifel
Upgraded: Hold to Buy
Price Target: $65
Thursday's Close: $57.17

Stifel boosted its rating on EPR Properties from Hold to Buy, raising the price target to $65 from the previous $52. EPR Properties, a leading real estate investment trust focused on experiential venues, is projected to have stock price targets between $51.00 and $65.00. The median forecast is $56.00, with an average estimate of $56.60. The company invests in unique real estate tied to entertainment, recreation, and education.

Maeve Grace
Editor In Chief
Premium Stock Alerts

Important: This newsletter does not provide investment advice. The stocks mentioned should not be taken as recommendations. Your investments are solely your decisions.

Disclosure: I hold no positions in any companies mentioned, either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.