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The Dow Jones today will hold steady as investors await developments on a trade deal between the United States and China. Meanwhile, the market is gearing up for Friday's official monthly report from the U.S. Labor Department.
More on what this means for the markets below - plus, what's wrong with Tesla's latest plans...
Here are the numbers from Tuesday for the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq:
| Index | Previous Close | Point Change | Percentage Change |
| Dow Jones | 25,806.63 | -13.02 | -0.05% |
| S&P 500 | 2,789.65 | -3.16 | -0.11% |
| Nasdaq | 7,576.36 | -1.21 | -0.02% |
Now, here's a closer look at today's Money Morning insight, the most important market events, and stocks to watch.
The Top Stock Market Stories for Wednesday
- The ongoing trade watch between the United States and China continued in pre-market hours. On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hinted that the two countries were "on the cusp" of a deal. However, there haven't been any new developments over the last 36 hours, prompting further speculation over what factors could slow progress for a deal. Investors will monitor trade developments alongside the latest employment numbers for February from Automated Data Processing.
- Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) stock hit a four-month low after a string of downgrades and fears about the company's cash burn. CEO Elon Musk tweeted that the company will unveil its Model Y on March 14 and that it will shift Model 3 sales online around the globe. But Adam Jonas, a Morgan Stanley analyst, does not see this as a great buying opportunity. He thinks there is "something wrong" with the company. With more debt coming due and a significant level of cash burn, analysts wonder if Musk will need to raise more capital. Yesterday, Barclays slashed its price target for TSLA stock by 9% to $192.
- Cowen Inc. (NASDAQ: COWN) has named Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) its top pick in the marijuana sector. The investment bank cited strong growth potential for the legal cannabis market in Canada as a reason for its growing upside. Also, the bank foresees significant growth upside from the ever-increasing global medicinal demand. If you're looking for another major trend that could push this stock and the booming slate of cannabis stocks higher... check out this shocking prediction about cannabis in 2020.
Stocks to Watch Today: AEO, XOM, JNJ
- American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (NYSE: AEO) will lead another busy day of earnings reports on Wednesday. Investors expect the firm will report a jump in same-store sales. Analysts expect a boost from the firm's Aerie brand of lingerie. However, Wall Street has real concerns about the firm's forward guidance due to rising marketing costs and an uptick in employee pay.
CANNABIS UPDATE: Michigan just legalized adult-use marijuana. Three stocks to watch now.
- Oil prices will be in focus as Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) kicks off its annual meeting with Wall Street analysts. The firm will offer its outlook for the energy industry in the year ahead and release its 2019 financial goals. In addition, Wall Street will seek updates on the firm's restructuring efforts in its exploration and production businesses.
- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has received a huge boost from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The U.S. government has approved the first new type of antidepressant in more than 30 years. The nasal spray antidepressant is a form of esketamine, which will be sold under the brand name Spravato.
- Today, look for more earnings reports from BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BJ), Brown-Forman Corp. (NYSE: BF.B), Craft Brew Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ: BREW), Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR), Guidewire Software Inc. (NASDAQ: GWRE), Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST), and Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF).
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About the Author
Garrett Baldwin is a globally recognized research economist, financial writer, consultant, and political risk analyst with decades of trading experience and degrees in economics, cybersecurity, and business from Johns Hopkins, Purdue, Indiana University, and Northwestern.
