Jobs Miss Spurs Fed Cut Bets; Oil Slides, Spotify Gains | MarketReader Minute

Disappointing U.S. jobs report fuels speculation of Fed interest rate cuts, while political interference raises concerns over economic data integrity and market volatility.

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Monday, August 4

Noteworthy macro moves today: Oil (WTI) -2.6%. Noteworthy US mega-cap moves today: Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B) -1.1%. 

Recent market movements are heavily influenced by the disappointing U.S. jobs report for July released Friday, which revealed only 73,000 new jobs added compared to expectations of 110,000. This significant shortfall has led to increased speculation about potential interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve in September; futures markets now indicate an over 80% probability of a cut following this data release.

Additionally, President Trump's recent actions have raised concerns regarding political interference with economic data integrity and central bank independence. His dismissal of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer after the weak employment figures has sparked criticism and uncertainty among investors about the credibility of future labor reports.

The broader implications include heightened volatility across global equity indices as major indexes like the S&P 500 experienced their worst weekly performance since May due to these developments alongside renewed trade tensions stemming from Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs on various countries without formal agreements with the U.S., further complicating investor sentiment amid fears surrounding economic growth prospects.

United States Oil Fund LP (USO) [-1.8%]
The United States Oil Fund LP (USO) has seen a price decline of 1.8% since Friday, coinciding with OPEC+'s announcement that eight members will increase oil output by 547,000 barrels per day starting in September. This decision follows a weekend meeting and reflects ongoing production hikes. Concurrently, a report indicates a deteriorating U.S. economic outlook, highlighted by a cooling jobs market and the fastest contraction in factory activity in nine months, raising concerns about weaker demand for crude oil. Front-month WTI crude oil futures are reported down at approximately $66.94 per barrel. Additionally, Brent Spot Oil prices have dropped significantly, reflecting broader market concerns regarding oil demand amid newly imposed U.S. tariffs that could reduce global consumption levels.

Ethereum (ETH/USD) [+1.8%]
Ethereum (ETH/USD) has increased by 1.8%, buoyed by a positive trend in the cryptocurrency market, particularly outperforming Bitcoin after recovering from recent lows. This movement coincides with heightened expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, following disappointing U.S. Nonfarm Payroll data, which reported only 73,000 jobs added in July against an anticipated 110,000. Additionally, significant whale activity has been noted, with purchases including 30,755 ETH for approximately $106.46 million and another acquisition of 79,461 ETH for around $300 million. On social media, ETH was reported to have stabilized at approximately $3,560 after a week of volatility linked to tariffs imposed by President Trump. Furthermore, despite broader digital asset outflows of $223 million, ETH saw inflows of $133 million, underscoring a contrasting dynamic within the market.

TSLA | +2.2% | +21.7B
Tesla Inc | Automobile Manufacturers

Tesla Inc's stock price has increased amid a rising broader market. The company has approved a substantial award of 96 million shares of restricted stock to CEO Elon Musk, valued at approximately $30 billion, contingent on his continued service for two years. This decision was made by a special committee and will be subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual meeting in November 2025. Meanwhile, Tesla delivered 67,886 China-made vehicles in July, reflecting an 8.4% decline year-over-year. Additionally, the company has entered into a $16.5 billion semiconductor supply agreement with Samsung Electronics for its next-generation AI6 chip. However, recent legal challenges include a ruling ordering Tesla to pay $243 million related to a fatal crash involving its Autopilot system, which has raised concerns among investors regarding regulatory scrutiny and operational capabilities.

IDXX | +13.8% | +7.0B
IDEXX Laboratories Inc | Health Care Equipment

IDEXX Laboratories reported its Q2 earnings, revealing an EPS of 3.63, exceeding the consensus estimate of 3.30. Revenue reached 1.1 billion, surpassing expectations of 1.07 billion. The company raised its FY25 EPS guidance to a range of 12.40 to 12.76, up from 11.93 to 12.43. Additionally, FY25 revenue expectations were adjusted to between 4.205 billion and 4.28 billion, compared to the previous forecast of 4.095 billion to 4.21 billion. Net income for Q2 was reported at approximately 294 million, a significant increase from 203 million year-over-year. Operating income rose to about 373 million from 264 million last year. These results reflect strong operational performance and strategic growth initiatives within the company.

AMD | +2.5% | +7.1B
Advanced Micro Devices Inc | Semiconductors

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) has seen a notable improvement in stock sentiment following a period of decline throughout much of 2024 and early 2025. The company is set to report its Q2 2025 earnings on August 5, with estimates suggesting an EPS of $0.4 and revenue of $7.4 billion. Year-to-date, AMD's stock has appreciated significantly, driven by optimism around its AI chip developments. Social media discussions reflect a mix of anticipation and concern regarding the upcoming earnings report, with some users noting recent bearish sentiment after a drop in stock price. Analysts remain divided; while Erste Group upgraded AMD to a Buy due to strong chip demand, DZ Bank downgraded it to a Sell. Options traders are forecasting an 8.97% price movement post-earnings, amid conversations about potential relief from export bans that could unlock substantial inventory value. The Nasdaq 100 Index's recent increase may also correlate with AMD's 2.5% rise.

APH | +5.1% | +3.4B
Amphenol Corp | Electronic Components

Amphenol Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CommScope's Connectivity and Cable Solutions (CCS) business for $10.5 billion in cash. This acquisition, expected to close in the first half of 2026, aims to enhance Amphenol's fiber optic interconnect capabilities for IT datacom and communications networks, alongside industrial interconnect products. The CCS business is projected to generate approximately $3.6 billion in sales with 26% EBITDA margins by 2025. The deal is anticipated to positively impact Amphenol's diluted earnings per share in the first full year post-closing, excluding acquisition-related costs. Financing will be arranged through a combination of cash on hand and debt, with committed financing from J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BNP Paribas, and Mizuho Bank. Social media discussions highlight the strategic significance of this acquisition amid rising demand for fiber and data center infrastructure.

SPOT | +5.1% | +6.6B
Spotify Technology SA | Movies & Entertainment

Spotify Technology SA has announced a price increase for its Premium subscription in select markets, effective September. The monthly fee will rise from EUR 10.99 to EUR 11.99 in regions including South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific. This announcement coincided with a stock price increase to 654.50 in premarket trading, reflecting a rise of approximately 4%. The company communicated this change via email to subscribers, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing product offerings and features. Prior to this announcement, the stock had experienced a year-to-date increase of about 40%. Additionally, social media discussions have highlighted the upcoming price change, noting the anticipation for a strong volume move over 664.

NVO | +1.9% | +3.1B
Novo Nordisk A/S | Pharmaceuticals

Novo Nordisk A/S's shares have increased following reports that Medicare and Medicaid programs may soon cover weight loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy. Analysts anticipate a 12.3% rise in quarterly revenue, projecting earnings of DKK6.05 per share for the upcoming results announcement on August 6, 2025. This forecast aligns with a median 12-month price target of 64.50, suggesting significant upside from the recent closing price of 48.19. Social media discussions reveal mixed sentiments, with some expressing bearish views due to competitive pressures in the obesity drug market and recent sales outlook cuts. Notably, the stock experienced a dramatic decline last week, marking its worst performance, but has since rebounded slightly. Concerns about long-term stock price stability persist, particularly in light of strategic moves by competitors that could affect Novo Nordisk's market position.

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