US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Futures Rise as Manufacturing Strength Counters Rate Worries

The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Friday, Nov, 21 2025

US stock futures are pointing up in early trading, helped along by two key signals. First, a major economic scorecard that measures how US factories are doing showed its highest reading since April 2022. This signals that manufacturing is holding steady rather than slipping. This matters because when factories stay busy, more jobs stick around and the economy has a stronger backbone. Second, the typical 30-year mortgage rate ticked up for a third week, landing at 6.26 percent. That loan cost is high by recent standards, which means buying a home is hardly getting any cheaper. The big question is whether steady factory activity can offset the pressure high borrowing costs put on areas like real estate. This puts both homebuilders and consumer-focused sectors in the spotlight for investors deciding their next move.

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Top Movers

• Walmart (WMT) jumped 6.46% after several analysts raised price targets following strong earnings.
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) climbed 4.87% as the FDA approved new uses for key Regeneron drugs.
• GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) rose 3.37% amid new product integrations and expanded adoption of cardiac imaging technology.

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Top Losers

• Sandisk (SNDK) dropped 20.33% with no news reported.
• Bloom Energy (BE) fell 14.28% with no news reported.
• AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) slid 12.60% with no news reported.

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On The Radar

US manufacturing and central bank signals take the spotlight as the new week kicks off with closely watched economic data.

• Manufacturing Pulse: The Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index (Monday) will shape views on regional industrial health and near-term Fed policy direction.
• Fed Activity Gauge: The Chicago Fed National Activity Index (Monday) provides a snapshot of US economic momentum ahead of key inflation readings.
• Global Business Sentiment: Germany’s Ifo Business Climate (Monday) could signal broader growth trends for US multinationals with European exposure.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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