Pre-Market Report – Thursday 23 July: US markets weaker - Alphabet and Tesla in focus - SPI up 72 - Gold up - Oil up - MQG CEO to retire.

US stocks closed lower on Wednesday ahead of the start of earnings season for mega-cap technology companies. The S&P 500 shed 0.1%, the Nasdaq 100 lost 0.5%, and the Dow Jones inched down. Software stocks came under pressure before Alphabet's (-1.5%) results, with Microsoft down 1.9% and Meta retreating 2.6%. The technology sector remained volatile as investors reassessed whether AI hyperscalers will continue expanding hardware spending. Tesla dropped % ahead of its earnings release. Most chipmakers rebounded from earlier losses, with Nvidia up 2.3%, Broadcom rising 2.7%, and AMD adding 1.4%. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and Iran escalated after Iranian drone attacks targeted CIA facilities in the Gulf. Oil prices extended gains, fueling inflation concerns and pushing yields higher. Financials traded mixed, with Visa down 0.7% while JPMorgan gained 0.9%. AT&T rose 3.5% after beating earnings estimates, lifting telecom stocks.SPI up 72! Gold up - Oil up - MQG CEO to retire.Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.