US Open: indices struggle for direction amid no clear catalyst 📌🔎

The American stock market opens in mixed moods. Uncertainty in the market persists, and that doesn't sit well with the markets. Reports from more U.S. companies point to an uncertain future, and forecasts include strongly conservative outlooks.

At the time of publication, futures on major U.S. indices slightly reduce gains from earlier in the day. Investors started the day in better spirits after positive news about negotiations between the U.S. and Japan. However, later statements from bankers slightly cooled investors' emotions. As a result, at the opening of the cash session, we observe a slight reduction in gains. US500 gains +0.60%, US100 is quoted +0.40% higher, and US2000 +0.60%.

US100

Technology companies have not had the best time. A combination of economic uncertainty and high company valuations has caused a strong correction in many significant assets. US100 is currently consolidating around the 18,450-point level, which appears to be a relatively important consolidation zone. From the top, the index is capped by resistance above 19,000 points, and from the bottom supported above 17,250 points.

Source: xStation 5

Company news

Hertz Global (HTZ.US) gains 57% after Pershing Square disclosed a 4.1% stake, second only to Knighthead’s 58.9%. The investment sparked speculation of activist involvement and operational shifts, while analysts noted the rally could help Hertz raise $500M+ and support future AI-driven autonomous vehicle infrastructure.

MongoDB (MDB.US) gains 0.20% after Redburn upgraded the company to Neutral from Sell, citing limited downside risk. The analyst pointed out that MongoDB’s valuation is near record lows, with reset expectations, and issued a $170 price target, implying 6.2% upside.

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM.US) gains 2.50% after Q1 profit surged 60% Y/Y on strong AI chip demand. The company guided Q2 revenue to $28.4B–$29.2B (vs. $27.22B expected) and sees 2025 revenue growing in the mid-20% range. Management also forecasts a 2024–2029 revenue CAGR near 20%, long-term gross margin of 53%+, and ROE above 25%.

Eli Lilly (LLY.US) is up by 15% after Phase 3 trial results for its oral GLP-1 drug showed ~8% (16 lbs) weight loss over 40 weeks in type 2 diabetes patients. The strong data strengthened Lilly’s position in the obesity drug market ahead of 2025–26 regulatory filings, putting pressure on rivals like Novo Nordisk (-8%).

Global Payments (GPN.US) declines 15.70% after announcing a $24.25B acquisition of the remaining stakes in Worldpay and divesting its Issuer Solutions business for $13.5B. Investors reacted negatively to the deal's complexity, integration risks, and higher leverage. Meanwhile, FIS shares rose 6%, benefiting from improved margins and projected $275M+ in long-term synergies.

UnitedHealth (UNH.US) plummeted 20% after the insurer cut full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $26.00–$26.50 (vs. prior $29.50–$30.00 and $29.74 consensus). The miss on Q1 results dragged down sector peers, including Cigna (-3%), CVS (-6%), and Humana (-6%).

Alcoa (AA.US) dips 5% following mixed Q1 results and rising tariff concerns. Alcoa expects $90M in Q2 costs from U.S. aluminum tariffs (up from $20M in Q1), with annual profit impact estimated at $100M. CEO Oplinger also warned that tariffs on Chinese inputs could add $10M–$15M more annually.