10 things you need to know before the opening bell
Beijing announced more measures to stabilize stocks. China's financial regulator announced it will limit traders to the purchase of 1,200 CSI 500 index futures contracts in a given day and that it would crackdown on illegal market activity. Also noteworthy, Central Huijin Investment Company, Beijing's investment arm, said it would continue the purchase of ETFs to maintain investor confidence.
Chinese stocks fell again. China's Shanghai Composite (-1.3%) lost ground despite Beijing announcing more measures to stabilize stocks. Elsewhere, Australia's ASX (+1.9%) paced the gains in overnight trade and France's CAC (-0.5%) leads the way lower in Europe. S&P 500 futures are up 4.00 points at 2068.50.
Australia's central bank kept policy on hold. The Reserve Bank of Australia held its benchmark interest rate at 2.00%, as expected. However, the Glenn Stevens-led central bank suggested further Australian dollar depreciation is "both likely and necessary." The Australian dollar is down 0.9% at .7435.
Greece will not get a deal today. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker lashed out against Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras and his government, stating, "I'm very saddened that the Greek delegation left the negotiating table - you don't do that in Europe. It was a big mistake. We must try and find a solution. It can't be done today - that would be to simplistic. Today we'll pave the way, through talks and mutual understanding, to put things in order. The ball lies in the Greek government's court." A July 5 Barclays note warned the country is likely to run out of cash on July 20. Greece's 2-year yield is up 65 basis points at 51.56%.
Crude oil is bouncing. West Texas Intermediate crude oil is higher by 0.4% at $52.90 per barrel. The energy component hit a high of $53.40, but recently surrendered most of its gains. Yesterday, crude oil touched a low of $50.41 per barrel, its weakest since the beginning of April.
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Saudi Arabia is investing in Russia. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced plans to invest $10 billion in the Russia Direct Investment Fund over the next five years. "This deal is about building an important partnership. Russia needs to be an integrated global player. We are also going to invest in Saudi Arabia, which is a very attractive market for us so the deal is very interesting," RDIF's Chief Executive Kirill Dmitriev told CNBC.
UK manufacturing production missed. Britain's manufacturing production fell 0.6% month-over-month in June, missing the 0.1% gain that was expected. Activity was hurt by weaker demand in Europe and an unfavorable exchange rate as the British pound trades near eight-year highs against the euro.
Samsung warns. The electronics giant suggested operating profit is likely to fall 4% in the second quarter to $6.13 billion. The warning comes as supply shortages have dampened the outlook for sales of the curved-screen Galaxy S6 smartphone. Reuters reports analysts are also suggesting currency fluctuations, particularly in China and Europe, are also hurting sales.
A Korean court again ruled in favor of Samsung. Bloomberg reports, "The Seoul Central District Court rejected a request to stop Samsung ally KCC Corp. from using treasury shares bought from Samsung C&T Corp. to vote on a proposed takeover by affiliate Cheil Industries Inc." The ruling is a blow to activist hedge fund manager Paul Singer, who is attempting to block the deal, arguing it undermines shareholder interest. Singer says he will appeal the ruling.
Advanced Micro Devices lowered its revenue guidance. The chipmaker announced second quarter revenue will be about 8% lower than the first quarter, coming in around $948 million. AMD cited weak PC demand for the downbeat forecast.
US economic data flows. Data begins at 8:30 a.m. ET with the release of the trade balance, and concludes with JOLTs - Job Openings at 10:00 a.m. ET and consumer credit at 3:00 p.m. ET. Treasury will auction $24 billion 3-year notes. The US 10-year yield is lower by 5 basis points at 2.23%.