In the latest trading session, US stocks are poised to open lower, with media reports indicating that Nvidia Corporation, a leading player in the chip-making industry, is currently under an antitrust investigation related to its significant influence in the artificial intelligence sector. The market continues to react to this news, potentially signaling a shift in investor sentiment. In addition, market participants are keenly awaiting the release of job vacancies data expected later today, which will provide insight into the labor market dynamics.
These figures are crucial as they can influence future employment trends and economic forecasts. Tomorrow's scheduled report of employment figures will further guide investor expectations. As it stands, futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average reflected a decrease of 0.09%, the S&P 500 futures showed a decline of 0.28%, and Nasdaq futures faced a drop of 0.56%.
This movement suggests a cautious approach among investors as they process ongoing economic signals. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to publish its monthly survey that measures job openings. Analysts are projecting a decrease in job vacancies to around 8.1 million for July, down from the previous month's count of 8.2 million, according to insights from Bloomberg.
This data will be closely monitored to assess labor market health and its implications for the overall economy. Meanwhile, oil prices have shown a reversal from their earlier premarket session potential gains, with major global benchmarks demonstrating slight declines. Brent crude saw a drop of 0.15%, while West Texas Intermediate crude was down by 0.13%. Taking a broader view of international markets, Japan's Nikkei index witnessed a significant drop of 4.24%.
Additionally, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell by 1.10%, and China's Shanghai Composite index reported a 0.67% loss. In Europe, the UK's FTSE 100 index experienced a decline of 0.54%, whereas Germany's DAX and France's CAC indices dropped by 0.84% and 1.09%, respectively, indicating a ripple effect of caution across global markets. On the equities front, notable movements were observed.
Shares of Conifer Holdings surged impressively, jumping 62% in pre-market trading after the company announced the promotion of President Brian Roney to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Furthermore, WiSA Technologies saw its stock advance 59% following its agreement to acquire the intellectual property assets of Data Vault for $210 million.
Windtree Therapeutics experienced a stock surge of 46% after completing enrollment for a phase 2b study of istaroxime aimed at treating early cardiogenic shock caused by heart failure. In other equity movements, LogicMark shares increased by 21%, building on a previous day’s gain of 13%, and GitLab's stock rose by 12% after reporting higher fiscal Q2 non-GAAP net income and revenue compared to the previous year. Conversely, certain stocks faced dramatic declines.
Athira Pharma's shares plummeted by 73% after announcing that the topline results from a phase 2/3 trial of fosgonimeton for Alzheimer's disease failed to achieve the primary endpoints. Oragenics also faced difficulties, with its shares plunging 48% following a 16% decline from the previous session.
Shuttle Pharmaceuticals saw its shares tumble 24%, effectively erasing Tuesday's gains, and Zscaler's stock fell by 17% after providing weaker-than-expected guidance for non-GAAP earnings in Q1 and downgrading its outlook for fiscal 2025. Finally, Core & Main shares decreased by 16% after lowering their full-year net sales guidance for 2024..