CNBC (yesterday's stocks in the news) U.S. stock futures were lower this morning as investors remained focused on U.S.-China relations. The Dow and S&P 500 on Wednesday had their lowest closes since Feb. 14. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq were all down three straight sessions, and are on track to post their worst week of 2019. (CNBC)
* Cramer: Stockholders are suffering from FOBS, fear of big sellers (CNBC)
Earnings reports out this morning come from Barnes & Noble (BKS), H&R Block (HRB), and Kroger (KR), while Costco (COST), American Outdoor Brands (AOBC), Camping World (CWH), El Pollo Loco (LOCO), and Okta (OKTA) are among the companies releasing quarterly numbers after today's closing bell. (CNBC)
The Labor Department is out with its weekly report on initial jobless claims at 8:30 a.m. ET. At the same time, the government issues its revised report on fourth-quarter productivity. The European Central Bank concludes its policy meeting with an interest rate decision and policy statement at 7:45 a.m. ET. (CNBC)
IN THE NEWS TODAY (MG note: yesterday)
Amazon (AMZN) will close all of its 87 pop-up locations in the U.S. in April. The company is also planning to open dozens of grocery stores and potentially thousands of Amazon Go stores, according to earlier reports. (CNBC)
* Dollar Tree to close up to 390 Family Dollar stores (CNBC)
Sears is back into court, less than one month after emerging from bankruptcy protection . The retailer was sued by Stanley Black & Decker, which accused it of breach of contract and trademark infringement. (Reuters)
STOCKS TO WATCH
American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) reported quarterly profit of 43 cents per share, beating estimates by a penny. However, the apparel retailer's revenue fell slightly short of Wall Street forecasts. American Eagle also forecast weaker-than-expected current quarter profit, as it spends more on marketing and new store openings.
Allergan (AGN) said a new treatment for depression failed in three late-stage studies, and the drugmaker added that it was deeply disappointed in the results. Billionaire hedge fund manager David Tepper has been pushing Allergan, which also makes Botox, to consider selling itself.
General Electric (GE) has hired an investment bank to explore a possible sale of its stake in a renewable energy joint venture, according to a Reuters report. GE is partners with Italy's Enel in the venture, and the stake is said to be worth more than $1 billion.
Qualcomm (QCOM) is getting some help from the Defense and Energy departments in its dispute with the FTC over smartphone royalties, according to the Wall Street Journal, supporting Qualcomm's contention that losses in a court battle could hurt its ability to compete with China's Huawei.
Apple (AAPL) has announced it's bringing 1,200 employees to a San Diego office over the next three years, growing its presence right in the backyard of its current legal rival Qualcomm.
Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) was downgraded to sector perform from top pick at RBC Capital Markets in a valuation call, among other factors.
CONTRIBUTORS
Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
@BerkeleyJr
Peter Schacknow
@peterschack
