Markets Kick Off July With Legal Blow, Earnings Rush

Meta Faces Trial

META lost its bid to dismiss a multi-state lawsuit today. A judge ruled the case — over Facebook and Instagram addiction claims — will go to trial. The news lands as Meta trades near all-time highs. Legal risk is now firmly back on the table for the social media giant.

Earnings Season Opens

July 1 brings a cluster of major reports. STZ holds its Q1 FY2027 call at 8am ET. Beer volume trends and tariff exposure on Mexican imports are the key questions for the $24bn drinks group. GIS reports Q4 FY2026 this morning too. Short sellers hold 10% of its free float. FDS and MSM also report before the open.

Semis and Nike in Focus

Chip stocks are caught between momentum and caution. NVDA and AMD both saw options momentum fade over the past two weeks. Traders appear to be positioning for earnings volatility rather than making directional calls. NKE is a different story — analysts cut target prices this week and short interest jumped 34% in ten days. Options hedging demand is rising fast.

UK Data Disappoints, Europe Watches

UK manufacturing PMI came in at 52.5 for June, missing the 53.1 estimate and down from 53.9 prior. The miss adds to pressure on UK assets. In Europe, HM B drew a bold vote of confidence — a member of the founding Persson family spent $110.8 million buying 6.5 million shares last week. That's a rare and notable show of conviction in the embattled fashion retailer.

Short Squeeze Watch

WOLF carries 132% short interest as a percentage of free float with zero shares available to borrow. HTZ jumped to 62.6%. Both names remain high-risk for short sellers as liquidity dries up.