5 Essential Pre-Market Insights You Need for Tuesday's Stock Market Opening

## U.S. Stock Markets Start the Week on a Positive Note U.S. stock markets had a decent start to the week, with all three major indices finishing higher on Monday. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq saw slight gains. However, investors are likely to be cautious on Tuesday as they await fresh inflation data ahead of the Federal Reserve's meeting later this month. This week also marks the beginning of earnings season, with companies like PepsiCo and Delta Air Lines reporting on Thursday, and JPMorgan, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and UnitedHealth releasing earnings on Friday. ## NATO Alliance Expands with Sweden's Admission The NATO alliance is set to become even stronger as Turkey dropped its opposition to Sweden joining the group. This paves the way for Sweden's membership, following Finland's recent admission to NATO. The expansion of NATO is a direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite ongoing fighting in Ukraine, with more than 300 Russian airstrikes in recent days, NATO leaders are meeting in Lithuania this week. Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized NATO as a threat to his country. ## Hackers Steal Millions of Patients' Data from HCA Healthcare Hospital giant HCA Healthcare suffered a major data breach, with hackers stealing millions of patients' data and selling it online. The breach affects patients in over 20 states, including Florida and Texas. While critical medical records do not appear to have been taken, the hackers claim to have emails containing some medical information tied to patients. Analysts consider this breach one of the biggest healthcare-related breaches of the year. ## Apple Launches WeChat Store in China Apple is targeting India's growing economy while continuing to focus on the massive Chinese market. The tech giant recently launched an online store on Tencent's WeChat, the largest messaging platform in China with 1.2 billion users. Chinese consumers rely on WeChat not only for communication but also for travel arrangements and bill payments. Despite a slight decline in smartphone sales, iPhone sales in China increased by 6% YoY during the first quarter of this year. ## PGA Tour Defends LIV Golf Deal at Senate Hearing The PGA Tour's deal with Saudi-backed LIV Golf will be under scrutiny at a Senate hearing on Tuesday. The tour's operating chief, Ron Price, is expected to argue that the deal should not be considered a merger. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will be a minority investor with no controlling interest. The deal has sparked outrage due to concerns about the kingdom's human rights record and its connection to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. ## Conclusion: Potential Business Implications and Opportunities The news headlines from various industries have the potential to impact new businesses, both positively and negatively. Here's a hot take on how each topic could affect entrepreneurs and startups: 1. U.S. Stock Markets: The positive start to the week in the stock markets suggests a favorable environment for businesses seeking investment or planning to go public. The slight gains in major indices highlight market optimism, which may attract more investors and provide funding opportunities for new businesses. However, cautiousness surrounding inflation data and upcoming Federal Reserve decisions could lead to a more volatile market, requiring entrepreneurs to carefully monitor market trends and adjust their business strategies accordingly. 2. NATO Alliance Expansion: Sweden's admission to NATO signals a strengthening alliance in response to global security concerns. For businesses operating within NATO member countries, this expansion could provide increased stability and business opportunities. It may open up avenues for defense-related industries or collaborations with international partners, leading to new contracts and growth potentials. 3. HCA Healthcare Data Breach: The significant data breach at HCA Healthcare serves as a reminder of the growing cybersecurity threats faced by businesses, particularly those handling sensitive data. Entrepreneurs should prioritize implementing robust security measures to safeguard customer information and build trust with their users. Startups in the cybersecurity sector might find this breach as an opportunity to tailor their solutions to healthcare organizations seeking enhanced data protection. 4. Apple's WeChat Store Launch: Apple's move to launch an online store on WeChat presents an exciting opportunity for businesses looking to tap into the Chinese market. Collaborating with popular platforms like WeChat can provide startups with access to a vast user base and enable them to reach potential customers, especially in sectors like e-commerce, travel, and payments. Entrepreneurs should analyze market trends and explore partnerships with established platforms to gain a foothold in emerging economies. 5. PGA Tour's LIV Golf Deal: The scrutiny surrounding the PGA Tour's deal with Saudi-backed LIV Golf highlights the importance of ethical considerations for businesses. Startups should carefully evaluate potential investors or partners, ensuring alignment with their values and reputational risks. This incident may encourage entrepreneurs to prioritize transparency and accountability, ultimately building a stronger foundation for their businesses. In summary, entrepreneurs should stay informed about current events and industry-specific news to identify opportunities and potential risks. Adapting business strategies to navigate market volatility, cybersecurity challenges, international alliances, and ethical considerations can position new businesses for success in a rapidly changing environment. Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/11/5-things-to-know-before-the-stock-market-opens-tuesday-july-11.html