Finance

Thursday's big stock stories: What's likely to move the market in the next trading session

Aluminum futures have gained about 12% since the war began, contrasting with declines in other metals, as a CNBC pre-market briefing flags a data- and earnings-driven session ahead. The scene also features tariff-era winners and losers among retailers, plus a slate of U.S. data releases that could tilt rate expectations and market sentiment.

📅 April 01, 2026
⏱️ 2 min read
Thursday's big stock stories: What's likely to move the market in the next trading session

Key Takeaways

  • Aluminum futures +12% since the war began.
  • Gold (-9%), silver (-17%), palladium (-19%), and platinum (-19%), with copper down 7% also in focus.
  • Retailers Walmart around +40%, Target +>13%, Best Buy -15%, Apple +14%, and Tesla +35% since tariff announcements.
  • Upcoming U.S. data on jobless claims and the trade deficit could shift rate expectations.
  • Tesla's Q1 deliveries and trucking/transport signals provide a near-term read on the EV/tech complex.

People Involved

  • No specific individuals mentioned

Entities Involved

  • Walmart Retailer
  • Target Retailer
  • Best Buy Consumer electronics retailer
  • Apple Technology company
  • Tesla Electric vehicle maker

MarketMoodz Analysis

For investors, the mix of big commodity moves and stock dispersion from tariff-era signals suggests added near-term volatility but selective opportunities. Metals tied to geopolitical risk are showing quick reactions, while consumer-discretionary names trade on tariff sentiment and supply-chain dynamics. A softer or stronger-than-expected U.S. data batch could swing rate expectations and sector leadership in the next session.

Historically, tariff-policy cycles create sharp, sector-by-sector rotations as investors reprice risk and profitability. The current environment echoes past episodes where consumer staples lagged while tech and EV-related names led on relief or optimism about demand and margins. Watching trucking costs and industrial metals can help gauge whether the market is moving on expectations of tighter or looser monetary policy.

What to watch next: key data on jobless claims and the U.S. trade deficit, along with Tesla's quarterly deliveries and trucking/transport signals, to gauge the pace of demand recovery and supply-chain pressure.

Source: Original Article

Get AI-Powered Market Insights

Stay ahead of market-moving events with our real-time analysis and stock ratings.

Start Your Free Trial