NFP in Focus and Amazon’s Latest Moves
Key Market Themes:
Jobs report in focus; potential dollar strength ahead
Amazon drops 4% on weak guidance
Pinterest surges 18% on strong earnings
Gold miners up 30% amid inflation concerns
Consumer staples rally, led by Costco
Upcoming data: Jobs report, consumer confidence figures
Market Movers
American Superconductor (AMSC) ▲ 34.17% | $34.24
Tapestry, Inc (TPR) ▲ 12.02% | $82.20
Pinterest Inc (PINS) ▲ 0.87% | $33.59
Affirm Holdings (AFRM) ▼ -1.67% | $61.75
News Highlights
Will Strong Jobs Data Boost the Dollar?
The January jobs report is expected to show 160,000 new jobs added, marking a slowdown from December’s 256,000 figure. The unemployment rate is projected to hold steady at 4.1%, while wage growth is anticipated to ease slightly to 3.8% from 3.9%.
What to Watch:
Stronger-than-expected hiring could boost the U.S. dollar, weakening the euro. If EUR/USD dips below $1.025, it could signal downward momentum, potentially leading to parity with the dollar.
Weight Loss Drugmaker Updates
Despite a weaker-than-expected Q4 report, Eli Lilly’s stock rose 3.35% as investors had already priced in the anticipated results. The company exceeded profit expectations but slightly missed revenue forecasts. Strong demand for weight-loss drugs, including Mounjaro and Zepbound, continues to drive optimism for 2025 despite supply chain concerns.
What Stocks Moved After Hours?
Amazon (AMZN) – Down 4% After Hours
Amazon reported strong earnings but issued weaker-than-expected guidance, forecasting Q1 revenue between $151B-$155.5B, below analysts’ expectations of $158.5B. Investors reacted negatively, fearing slower growth despite Amazon Web Services (AWS) strength. Currency headwinds and cautious spending remain concerns.
Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) – Up 7% After Hours
Despite missing Q3 revenue expectations, Take-Two shares gained 7% after issuing strong Q4 net bookings guidance ($1.48B-$1.58B vs. $1.54B expected). Investors remain optimistic due to upcoming catalysts, including Grand Theft Auto VI and continued digital sales growth.
Affirm Holdings (AFRM) – Up 9% After Hours
Buy Now, Pay Later giant Affirm climbed 9% after posting strong Q2 revenue ($866M vs. $807M expected) and 35% YoY growth in gross merchandise volume. Investors are now focused on future profitability improvements.
Expedia (EXPE) – Up 11% After Hours
Expedia surged 11% following strong Q4 results, reporting $2.39 EPS on $3.18B revenue, surpassing expectations. The reinstatement of a $0.40/share dividend boosted confidence in the company’s future, with travel demand remaining resilient.
Bill Holdings (BILL) – Down 32% After Hours
Bill Holdings plummeted 32% after issuing disappointing Q3 revenue guidance ($352.5M-$357.5M vs. $360.4M expected). Despite beating Q2 estimates, concerns over weaker forward outlook weighed heavily on sentiment.
Fortinet (FTNT) – Up 11% After Hours
Cybersecurity firm Fortinet gained 11% after reporting strong Q4 results and raising its 2025 revenue guidance ($6.65B-$6.85B vs. $6.63B expected). Increased cybersecurity spending continues to support bullish sentiment.
E.l.f. Beauty (ELF) – Down 23% After Hours
Despite strong brand momentum, E.l.f. Beauty dropped 23% after cutting full-year sales guidance ($1.3B-$1.31B vs. $1.34B expected). A slight Q3 EPS miss ($0.74 vs. $0.75 expected) fuelled concerns over slowing growth.
Movers & Shakers
Pinterest (PINS) ▲ 18% After Hours
Pinterest jumped 18% on stronger-than-expected Q4 revenue of $1.15B, slightly above estimates. User growth and ad engagement remain strong, fuelling optimism for continued monetisation. Q1 revenue guidance of $837M-$852M also exceeded expectations.
Gold Miners Surge Amid Inflation Fears
Gold stocks, including Harmony Gold, Gold Fields, and Equinox Gold, soared over 30% in a month, driven by inflation concerns and safe-haven demand. Barrick and Perseus Mining posted double-digit gains but lagged behind sector leaders.
Consumer Staples Rally
Retail staples outperformed, with Costco (+7.3%), Kroger (+5.3%), and Walmart (+4.8%) leading the charge. Philip Morris (+11.6%) also surged, as investors bet on its shift towards a smoke-free product strategy. Defensive stocks remain in demand amid market uncertainty.
Tapestry (TPR) ▲ 12%
Tapestry surged 12% following better-than-expected Q2 earnings and an upward revision to full-year guidance. Sales at Coach jumped 10%, while Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman brands struggled. Strong demand and an improved revenue outlook make TPR a standout in retail.
Coming Up Today
2:30 PM GMT – US Non-Farm Payrolls (Jan)
Expected: 205K (Previous: 265K)
Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
Impact: US indices, USD crosses
2:30 PM GMT – Canada Employment Data (Jan)
Unemployment Rate: 6.8% (Previous: 6.7%)
Impact: CAD crosses
4:00 PM GMT – US Michigan Consumer Confidence (Feb, Preliminary)
Expected: 72.0 (Previous: 71.1)
Impact: USD crosses
Disclaimer
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