US EQUITY OPEN: Indices open with downside bias ahead of NFLX earnings after-hours

US EQUITY OPEN: US indices open in the red with the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 lagging. Sectors are mixed with Health and Consumer Staples the outperformers, with Technology sitting at the bottom of the pile despite strong TSMC (TSM) results, with the stock lower by 2% at the opening bell. Earnings season of course continues, alongside a deluge of US data. Headline retail sales was in line, while Philly Fed was strong and initial jobless claims fell W/W. DXY is rangebound with the Swissy lagging and CAD performing the best in the G10 space. Treasuries are slightly lower and the crude complex sees marginal gains amid reports of the Houthis being told to close Bab El Mandeb Strait if the US hits power networks in Iran. The geopolitical escalations and encouraging US data has supported the dollar and is weighing on precious metals. Ahead, Netflix earnings after-hours is the highlight, with a couple of Fed speakers scheduled throughout the session. 

STOCK SPECIFICS:

• TSMC (TSM): Hiked CapEx, but quarterly numbers & guidance was strong
• United Airlines (UAL): Next Q guidance light
• J.B. Hunt (JBHT): Top & bottom line surpassed exp.
• AtaiBeckley (ATAI): To be acquired by Eli Lilly (LLY)
• UnitedHealth (UNH): EPS & rev. topped w/ solid FY profit view  
• Abbott (ABT): Strong Q numbers & lifted FY profit outlook
• Distribution Solutions Group (DSGR): To be taken private for $35/shr in cash.
• Lululemon (LULU): Downgraded at Truist to 'Sell' from 'Hold'.