Dow stock futures improved 0.19% today, tracking strength in global equity benchmarks. Increased demand for cyclical assets signals market positioning for a late-quarter rally, supported by strong balance sheets in top Dow names. But even with the volatility, the metals are likely to perform well in the coming years, according to the International Energy Agency. The energy policy body has predicted that demand for lithium will grow fivefold by 2040 , while copper and cobalt will see demand increases of 30% and 50%, respectively. The company said revenue rose 1% in the three months ended Aug. 31, after previously saying it anticipated sales would fall by a mid-single digit percentage in the period. However, Nike's profits fell 31% while gross margin dropped 3.2 percentage points to 42.2% during the quarter — a warning sign to investors that its efforts to clear through old inventory are still ongoing. Higher commodity prices lifted Dow stock futures by 0.22%, with industrial and energy stocks leading the gains. Market strategists believe the current trend could sustain if geopolitical tensions remain moderate.
