10 things you need to know before the opening bell
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Here's what you need to know before markets open.
1. Global shares trade near record highs ahead of key US jobs data, while dollar strength keeps gold in check. US futures were slightly lower on Thursday morning, and bond yields inched higher.
2. Billionaire investor Chamath Palihapitiya files for 4 new biotech-focused SPACs that seek to raise $800 million. The SPAC king is at it again despite the sharp slowdown in the market.
3. Norway's finance minister breaks ranks to say bitcoin may see a breakthrough if the price stabilizes. Jan Tore Sanner's comments contrasted with the usually critical statements from policymakers.
4. Meme stocks post massive gains led by AMC's unprecedented rally to new heights. Social-media favorites have made a big comeback this week.
5. Dogecoin leaps 41% as Coinbase Pro network begins to accept transfers of the meme currency. Dogecoin has also staged something of a comeback.
6. Earnings expected. Semiconductor company Broadcom reports, while NVIDIA and Netflix hold AGMs.
7. On the data docket. ADP employment figures for the US will be closely watched ahead of Friday's official jobs report.
8. Morgan Stanley thinks the market's most expensive names will continue to underperform. The firm identifies 28 underappreciated, high-quality stocks to own now.
9. A fund manager who doubled clients' money in 2020 lays out 2 big bets on companies that are inventing new markets. Gerry Frigon also details the 3 biggest themes he's buying into.
10. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has $140 billion in cash, yet it pulled billions out of Apple, Costco, and Chevron. Veteran investor Chris Bloomstran explains why the cash pile isn't excessive and the sales made sense.