5 things to know before the stock market opens Tuesday
Here are the most important news items that investors need to start their trading day:
1. A round of a pause
2. Easing up on Europe
U.S. President Donald Trump attends a Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission event, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 22, 2025.
Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters
Trump’s decision not to increase tariffs on EU goods in the coming days followed a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU official said in a social media post that the sides needed until July 9 to “reach a good deal.” Trump suggested last week that he was not trying to reach a trade agreement with the EU. Imports from the bloc to the U.S. currently face a 10% tariff, after Trump suspended a 20% duty proposed in early April.
3. It’s electr-ick
Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends a cabinet meeting held by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 30, 2025.
Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters
Tesla sales are suffering in Europe as the company’s brand takes a hit from CEO Elon Musk’s key role in the Trump administration and competition from rivals increases. The company sold 7,261 cars in Europe in April, a 49% drop from the previous year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Sales fell 40% for the January through April period. As some European consumers have protested Musk’s role in slashing pieces of the U.S. government as part of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, Tesla has also contended with the rise of Chinese automakers like BYD. Tesla shares have fallen about 16% this year.
4. Nvidia’s next
Investors will have a close eye on Nvidia’s results Wednesday. The chipmaker, which stands as the second most valuable U.S. company with its $3.2 trillion market cap, will offer commentary on the health of the technology industry and AI boom. It’s not just Nvidia: a handful of major retailers will also report earnings, as investors and consumers watch for updates on whether companies will increase prices on items like apparel and electronics due to tariffs. Here are the key reports to watch this week:
5. Flying into the sunset
Southwest Airlines planes at Chicago Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. April 18, 2023.
Jim Vondruska | Reuters
Southwest Airlines will officially end its long-held two free checked bag policy this week. Starting Wednesday, travelers will have to spend $35 to check a bag. While the policy set Southwest apart from rivals and helped inspire loyalty to the airline, executives have faced pressure to increase the company’s revenue.
– CNBC’s Alex Harring, Erin Doherty, Arjun Kharpal and Leslie Josephs contributed to this report.
