Stocks experienced a notable uptick amid increasing optimism about a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict in Iran. As investors gear up for the next trading session, there’s a focus on key economic indicators and market movements that could shape market sentiment in the near future.
One of the key economic updates will come with the release of jobless claims data on “Squawk Box” at 8:30 a.m. ET. The Dow Jones consensus estimates an increase to 210,000 claims, up from 205,000 the previous week. The prediction market Kalshi indicates that 65% of participants believe the number will exceed 210,000, with 34% expecting it to go above 215,000, and 16% anticipating claims to surpass 220,000.
In legal news impacting major tech companies, Meta Platforms faced another courtroom setback in Los Angeles, where a jury ruled that Meta and YouTube were both negligent in a social media addiction case. The jury awarded compensatory damages totaling $3 million, with Meta responsible for 70% of the payout. Additionally, $3 million in punitive damages were levied, with Meta liable for $2.1 million of that sum. These developments follow a recent ruling that ordered Meta to pay $375 million related to child exploitation issues in New Mexico. While these financial penalties might seem minor in the grand scheme for Meta, the implications of these cases could set critical precedents for future lawsuits. Thus far, investors appear unfazed, with Meta shares increasing by 0.2% this week, though the stock is down 25% from its 52-week high.
Energy stocks also garnered attention, with APA Corp reaching a new 30-month high, a performance reflected by a staggering 36% gain since the onset of the war in February. EQT also celebrated an all-time high, buoyed by a 10.6% increase since the conflict began. Kinder Morgan recorded an 11-year high, reflecting a 2% rise since the war started and a robust 23% gain in 2026. Occidental Petroleum’s shares achieved a 20-month high, climbing 16.5% since the war’s commencement. SLB, meanwhile, marked a two-year high but remained flat overall since the war’s initiation. Market watchers can expect further insights into oil, natural gas, and energy stocks on “Morning Call” with Morgan Brennan at 5 a.m. ET.
In corporate news, Coca-Cola chairman and CEO James Quincey will be featured on “Squawk Box” during the 7 a.m. hour as he prepares for retirement at the end of March. Under his leadership since May 2017, Coca-Cola has seen its stock rise by an impressive 75%, considerably outperforming the S&P Consumer Staples index. However, shares of the beverage giant have seen a decline of about 8% from their recent peak last month.
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