Tuesday’s trading session is set to be active with significant corporate news and economic data on the horizon. Home Depot earnings and comments from BHP’s CEO are key corporate events, while investors will also parse crucial housing starts and industrial production figures. The volatile memory stock sector, Meta’s ongoing legal challenges, and rising gold prices add further layers of interest for market participants.
Tuesday's Market Watchlist: Key Stocks and Economic Data to Drive Trading
Traders are bracing for a dynamic trading session as several key companies report earnings and crucial economic data is set to be released. The major averages are looking to rebound after consecutive losses, with investors scrutinizing developments in sectors ranging from home improvement and mining to technology and housing.
Home Depot in Focus
Home Depot (HD) is poised to be a significant market mover. The home improvement giant has seen its stock climb 13.6% over the past three months. Investors will be keen to hear updates directly from the company, which is scheduled to report on 'Squawk Box'. Despite recent gains, shares remain 21% below their September 2025 high, suggesting potential for further movement based on the upcoming report.
BHP CEO on 'Morning Call'
The mining sector will also be under the spotlight with an interview featuring BHP CEO Brandon Craig on 'Morning Call'. This marks Craig's first major interview since assuming leadership of the mining behemoth on July 1st. BHP's stock has gained nearly 5% in the last three months, though it's currently 6% off its June 16 high.
The Memory Stock Surge and Potential Correction
Jim Cramer's recent commentary on DRAM memory stocks highlighted significant buyback activity, with most companies—excluding Micron—aggressively repurchasing shares. While historically prone to boom-and-bust cycles, Cramer suggests that robust data center demand might signal a different trajectory this time. Key players include:
- Sandisk: Up over 652% year-to-date, though down 24% from its recent high. Its annual gain is an astonishing 3,911%.
- Seagate: Has surged 261% year-to-date, despite a 13% dip from its June 18 high. Its annual return stands at 544%.
- Micron: Showing a 254% year-to-date increase, but down 20% from its June high. Its annual performance is 737%.
- Western Digital: With a 211% year-to-date gain, shares are off 33% from the June 18 high, but still boast a 614% annual return.
The Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM) reflects these trends, down 25% from its June 22 high but up approximately 20% in August. Further analysis of these memory stocks is expected on 'Morning Call'.
Key Economic Indicators Released
Investors will also be closely watching critical economic data releases:
- Housing Starts: The July figures are due at 8:30 a.m. ET, with the Dow Jones consensus predicting a 6.1% drop from the previous month to 1.34 million units. CNBC's Diana Olick will provide detailed coverage and potential stock impacts.
- Industrial Production: Scheduled for release at 9:15 a.m. ET, this data will be discussed live on 'Squawk on the Street'.
Other Notable Companies
- Amer Sports: The owner of brands like Salomon and Wilson is trading flat over three months and is down 24% from its February high.
- Klarna: The payments stock has seen a 28.6% rise in three months, despite being down 65% from its September high. The fintech company's recent workforce adjustments related to AI are under scrutiny.
- Toll Brothers: Shares are up 15% over the past three months, though 13% off their February high.
Meta Platforms Faces Legal Scrutiny
Meta Platforms (META) is in the legal spotlight with a lawsuit in California alleging harm to children and teens. CNBC.com reported that the company faces potentially 'astronomical' consequences. Meta's stock is down 28% from its September high and nearly 14% year-to-date in 2026. Coverage from Julia Boorstin will continue on Tuesday.
Gold Prices Continue to Rise
Gold futures have experienced an 11% surge in the past month. The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has climbed almost 29% over the same period, though it remains 21% below its March high. Trader Guy Adami has indicated he is closely monitoring gold, a trend expected to continue.
