U.S. stock futures were split early Wednesday, with Dow futures slightly lower while S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures edged up, after a federal judge issued remedies in the Google search antitrust case following Tuesday’s close. The ruling lifted Alphabet (GOOGL) and its distribution partner Apple (AAPL) in after-hours trading, while cybersecurity firm Zscaler (ZS) gained on earnings. The broader market extended losses Tuesday, leaving the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite near their 50-day moving averages.
Key Takeaways
- Dow Jones futures dipped as of early morning Wednesday, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures rose.
- A federal judge released antitrust remedies tied to Google’s search case after the market closed on Tuesday.
- Alphabet (GOOGL) and Apple (AAPL) advanced in extended trading following the ruling.
- Zscaler (ZS) moved higher after reporting quarterly results.
- Tuesday’s session saw additional market weakness; the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composites are approaching their 50-day moving averages.
- Investors are assessing how remedies could affect Google’s default search arrangements, including those on Apple devices.
Verified Facts
The update was published after the close on , with a follow-on market check by . During premarket hours, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipped modestly, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures posted small gains.
A federal judge issued remedies in the long-running search antitrust case against Google after Tuesday’s closing bell. The announcement boosted shares of Alphabet and Apple in after-hours trading, reflecting expectations that any mandated changes to distribution or default settings may be manageable for the companies in the near term.
Zscaler (ticker: ZS) rose following its earnings release, adding a tech bright spot alongside the relief rally in mega-cap partners Alphabet and Apple.
On Tuesday, major indexes fell again, bringing the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite close to their 50-day moving averages—a widely watched technical support area.
Context & Impact
The Justice Department’s case has centered on whether Google unlawfully maintained monopolies in general search and search advertising, including via default search distribution agreements with device makers and browsers. Remedies could require changes to contract terms, default settings, or commercial arrangements that govern how search is presented to users.
Apple is a key counterpart because its devices have historically featured Google as the default search engine in Safari under a lucrative agreement. Any remedy affecting defaults or payments could ripple through both companies’ revenue lines, though the market’s initial reaction suggests investors view the near-term impact as limited or orderly.
For broader equities, tech leadership remains pivotal. If the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hold their 50-day lines, dip-buying could reemerge; a decisive break would raise the risk of a deeper pullback. Earnings from select software and cybersecurity names, including Zscaler, may add stock-specific volatility around a market testing support.
Unconfirmed
- Full text and specific provisions of the court’s remedies order were not detailed at publication time.
- Exact percentage moves for Alphabet, Apple, and Zscaler in after-hours trading were not disclosed in the available report.
- Any immediate changes to Apple’s default search settings or payment terms remain unclear pending the complete order.
Bottom Line
Equity futures were mixed as investors digested court-ordered remedies in Google’s antitrust case. Alphabet and Apple rallied after hours, Zscaler advanced on earnings, and key indexes hovered near technical support. The lasting market impact hinges on the final wording and enforcement of the court’s order.