Stock index futures pared some earlier gains on Monday, as investors looked ahead to earnings from top retailers and Nvidia’s quarterly results. Investors also awaited the release of delayed economic reports. Here are four stocks to watch on the day:
Apple (AAPL) shares fell 1% in premarket trade as the company is ramping up CEO succession planning efforts, as Tim Cook may step down as soon as next year. John Ternus, Apple’s (AAPL) senior vice president of hardware engineering, is widely seen as Cook’s potential successor. While preparations for succession planning have accelerated, it’s unlikely that the company will name a new CEO before its earnings report in late January.
UBS (UBS) shares were largely flat before the opening bell, as the company is reportedly in talks to move its headquarters to the U.S. amid tough new capital rules in Switzerland. The lender’s chair, Colm Kelleher, is now in private talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to move its headquarters as part of its contingency plan if the Swiss government does not ease the new rules.
Yum! Brands (YUM) rose 1.3% in premarket trade as TD Cowen upgraded the firm to a Buy rating after having the restaurant stock set at Hold. Analyst Andrew Charles and his team expect the likely sale of Pizza Hut to amplify Yum! Brands (YUM) growth profile. A sale is seen leading to a best-in-class development growth profile within the quick-service restaurant sector and a clearer focus on Taco Bell comparable sales, which are expected to be strong in 2026 and beyond.
Novo Nordisk (NVO) fell 1.3% before the opening bell as it said it was cutting prices to challenge rival Eli Lilly (LLY) in the obesity-drug market, signaling a more aggressive push to regain U.S. market share. The new price aligns with Lilly’s price for a low dose of its obesity drug Zepbound and comes in lower than the cost of higher-dose options.