Author: Scott Kanowsky
Published 07/18/2025, 03:54 AM
Investing.com – U.S. stock futures rise, with investors keeping a close eye on incoming earnings and economic data. Netflix’s (NASDAQ:NFLX) earnings top estimates, but shares in the streaming giant slip as analysts flag that its results may not have lived up to sky-high expectations. Elsewhere, a closely-watched consumer sentiment report is due out, while Bitcoin gains after U.S. House lawmakers pass three bills aimed at establishing a clear legal framework for digital assets.
1. Futures higher
U.S. stock futures ticked higher on Friday, suggesting an extension to gains posted in the prior session that were fueled by investor optimism around upbeat second-quarter earnings and signs of resilient growth conditions despite lingering tariff uncertainty.
By 03:51 ET (07:51 GMT), the Dow futures contract had risen by 64 points, or 0.1%, S&P 500 futures had climbed by 8 points, or 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures had ticked up by 27 points, or 0.1%.
The main averages on Wall Street advanced on Thursday, with investors taking their cues from a series of favorable corporate results, as well as executive commentary that analysts have described as encouraging. Economic data this week has also indicated that U.S. economy is picking up some steam, even as inflationary pressures from President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade agenda appear to be mounting.
Economists have warned that levies could drive up prices and weigh on economic activity, although some doubts remain over the potential extent of the impact of the tariffs.
“[O]ur base case remains that the tariffs ultimately imposed will not cause a recession — though we expect growth to slow,” analysts at Capital Economics said in a note.
2. Netflix earnings
Shares in Netflix inched lower in extended hours trading after the streaming giant’s second-quarter earnings and outlook were solid, but failed to live up to heightened analyst expectations.
Fueled in large part by the success of the final season of its mega-hit series “Squid Game,” Netflix posted quarterly diluted per-share profit of $7.19, above estimates of $7.08, according to LSEG data cited by Reuters.