Today’s Stocks to Watch: Meta, U.S. Steel, and BP

Key Points To Watch Out For:

• Shares in U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs rise after announcements about tariffs on steel and aluminum
• BP rises strongly after Elliott Management took a stake in the company
• Meta Platforms continues its bullish run and sets a new record on Wall Street

U.S. Steel (X) and Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF): Steel in the Spotlight After New Tariffs

Shares of U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs rose in pre-market trading after President Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. This decision has had a notable impact on American steel companies, driving their share prices higher.

Amid expectations of increased trade barriers, the sector has shown a strong rebound. Additionally, Nucor and Steel Dynamics are also gaining, benefiting from anticipated tariff protection. Alcoa, one of the leading aluminum producers in the US, is following the upward trend.

Investors will be monitoring new statements and potential trade retaliation, which could introduce volatility to the sector. However, the initial market reaction suggests that steel and aluminum stocks may sustain their momentum throughout the session.

BP (BP): Strong Rebound Following Activist Fund Entry

BP shares surged on the London Stock Exchange after Elliott Management, a well-known activist investment fund, announced that it had taken a stake in the British oil company. The market views this move as an indication of possible pressure on BP to implement strategic changes that could enhance its valuation.

BP has faced challenges in recent years, struggling with the energy transition and underperforming compared to its peers. Now, with Elliott’s involvement, investors are speculating about potential divestments or corporate strategy adjustments.

The energy sector continues to draw investor attention, and Elliott’s entry could mark a turning point in BP’s trajectory. The reaction of the US market will be crucial in assessing the actual impact of this development on BP’s stock price.

Meta Platforms (META): Historic Streak on Wall Street

Meta Platforms shares continue their remarkable rally, surpassing Tesla’s previous performance within the group of technology companies known as the “Magnificent Seven.”

This surge reinforces market optimism about Meta’s growth, driven by its artificial intelligence initiatives and strong advertising business. Recent reports highlight that Meta is gaining market share in the digital sector, further increasing its appeal to investors.

META’s record-setting performance reflects strong demand for technology stocks amid macroeconomic optimism. However, with the stock trading at recent highs, some analysts are cautioning about potential short-term corrections.

Earnings Highlights of the Day

Several companies are set to report earnings before the market opens, including:

• McDonald’s (MCD): Strong results are expected following a quarter of sales growth.
• Loews (L): The diversified holding company could surprise with strong results driven by its insurance segment.
• Rockwell Automation (ROK): The industrial automation company faces mixed expectations amid a slowdown in manufacturing.

Earnings reports from these companies could influence market sentiment, particularly in their respective sectors.