US Session: The US Markets are Expected to Open Moderately Higher, Supported by the NFP.

Here are five key topics that investors are watching at the start of the trading session:

1. Economy 101
   Investors and economic policymakers are counting down the hours until the delayed US Nonfarm Payrolls report, which is released this morning at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. The data comes less than a week after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates and amid new developments regarding the future leadership of the central bank.

Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expect the report to show an increase of 45,000 new jobs in November, along with a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.5%.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has already warned that employment data in recent months may have been systematically overstated, potentially leading to significant revisions.

At the same time, markets are becoming increasingly uncertain about who will succeed Powell. According to CNBC sources, Kevin Hassett’s nomination faces resistance from people close to President Donald Trump.

Traders are entering the report day cautiously, after the three main US indices closed in the red, weighed down by declines in artificial intelligence-related stocks.

Later in the week, attention will also turn to inflation, with the November Consumer Price Index expected on Thursday.

2. Costly Adjustments
   Ford announced that its strategy shift and retreat from fully electric vehicles will cost it $19.5 billion in exceptional expenses. Nevertheless, the company’s shares rose nearly 2% in pre-market trading.

Most of the costs are expected to be reported in Q4 and are related to the focus on hybrid models and the cancellation of next-generation electric pickups in favor of more affordable models.

CEO Jim Farley stated that the company is following consumers where the market is, acknowledging that demand for higher-priced EVs remains weak.

3. High Revenues
   Revenues from the new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump this year have already exceeded $200 billion, according to the US Customs and Border Protection Agency.

However, the future of these tariffs remains uncertain as the Supreme Court reviews their legality. An unfavorable decision could lead to the refund of amounts already paid by companies.

In November, tariff revenues slightly decreased to $30.75 billion, marking the first monthly decline since the new tariffs were introduced in April.

4. Spending Despite Everything
   US consumers remain pessimistic about the economy, but that doesn’t stop them from spending. Data shows that the highest number of Americans in at least nine years shopped from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday.

Major retailers such as Costco and Best Buy reported a strong start to the holiday season. At the same time, the strong performance of more affordable chains like Walmart and T.J. Maxx indicates that consumers are paying increasing attention to prices.

5. Robot Taxis on the Rise
   Self-driving taxis are now part of everyday life in many US cities—from Las Vegas to Phoenix.

Waymo, owned by Alphabet, operates, tests, or plans services in 26 markets worldwide. Amazon, via Zoox, and Tesla are also launching early versions of their robotaxi services this year. Tesla shares reached a new 2025 high after Elon Musk confirmed autonomous taxi tests in Austin.

Despite progress, the sector still faces challenges related to regulations, safety, noise, traffic, and higher prices compared to traditional ride-sharing services.

US stock futures are moving little on Tuesday as markets digest the US employment data for November.

Dow Jones futures are trading near neutral levels, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 contracts also remain directionless.

Meanwhile, October data was revised downward, showing the economy lost 105,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, above market expectations of 4.5%.

The main US stock indices closed Monday in negative territory, pressured by declines in leading AI-related companies.

Broadcom shares fell 5.6%, ServiceNow lost 11.5%, and Oracle declined 2.7%. Microsoft shares also ended lower as investors took profits from strongly appreciated AI stocks and redirected capital to other sectors such as healthcare and utilities.

Despite short-term pressure, the US stock market continues toward a positive year, with all eleven S&P 500 sectors remaining in profit year-to-date.

“In the next four, five, or six months, there is room for growth when we look at sectors tied to the real economy,” said Chris Verrone, Head of Technical and Macro Analysis at Strategas.

According to him, new highs are mainly emerging in industrials, the financial sector, consumer goods, and materials, suggesting a stronger focus on the real economy.