Top 5 Must-Know Market Updates Today: Inflation Data, Auto Tariffs & IPO Buzz

Market insights for March 28, 2025

U.S. stock futures are trending downward as investors brace for the release of critical inflation data today. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report is anticipated to indicate that inflation remained persistently high in February. Shares of General Motors continue to decline following the announcement of new tariffs on auto imports by President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Nvidia-supported cloud computing firm CoreWeave is set to make its Nasdaq trading debut. U.S. Steel shares are surging amid reports that Nippon Steel plans to invest up to $7 billion to secure approval for their $14 billion merger. Here’s a detailed look at the key developments investors should watch today.

1. U.S. Stock Futures Slip Ahead of Crucial Inflation Report

As the market awaits today's pivotal inflation data, U.S. stock futures are dipping following two consecutive days of losses. Nasdaq futures are down by 0.3% after the tech-heavy index dropped 0.5% in the previous session. Futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also indicate slight declines, reflecting yesterday’s market downturn. Bitcoin is falling below the $85,000 mark. Additionally, yields on 10-year Treasury notes and oil futures are decreasing, while gold futures are climbing.

2. February PCE Data Expected to Confirm Elevated Inflation Levels

The upcoming Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, releasing at 8:30 a.m. ET, is expected to reveal that inflation remained stubbornly high in February. Analysts surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal predict the annual inflation rate will hold steady at 2.5%, matching January's figure. Core inflation, which the Federal Reserve closely monitors to assess if inflation aligns with its 2% target, is forecasted to rise slightly to 2.7% from 2.6% the previous month.

3. General Motors Shares Continue to Drop Amid New Auto Tariffs

General Motors stock is falling an additional 1% in premarket trading after a 7% plunge yesterday triggered by President Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on imported vehicles. Shares of Jeep and Chrysler parent Stellantis have declined over 2% following a 1.3% drop on Thursday, while Ford shares are inching higher despite nearly a 4% loss yesterday. Tesla shares, perceived to have minimal exposure to the tariffs, are up over 1% after a modest gain the prior day.

4. Nvidia-Backed CoreWeave IPO Launches on Nasdaq

CoreWeave, a cloud computing company supported by Nvidia, is expected to begin trading today on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "CRWV." The company priced its initial public offering (IPO) at $40 per share, below the anticipated range of $47 to $55. CoreWeave offered 37.5 million shares, fewer than the initially projected 49 million, which positions its valuation at approximately $23 billion on a fully diluted basis.

5. U.S. Steel Shares Rally on Nippon Steel’s Investment Plan to Secure Merger Approval

U.S. Steel stock is up roughly 5% in premarket trading following reports that Nippon Steel intends to invest up to $7 billion to modernize the company’s aging Rust Belt facilities. This move aims to gain approval from the Trump administration for their $14 billion merger, which the Biden administration had previously blocked on national security grounds. President Trump expressed support for Nippon Steel’s investment strategy over outright acquisition during a February press conference.

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