5 things to know before the market opens Thursday Stock futures are declining this morning following a mixed performance in the previous session. Here are five key developments investors should be aware of as the trading day begins: A Los Angeles jury ruled that Meta Platforms Inc. and Google’s YouTube failed to warn users about the risks of social media addiction, marking a significant legal setback for the tech industry. The verdict, part of a broader wave of lawsuits against major platforms, awarded compensatory damages of $3 million and punitive damages of another $3 million, split between the two companies. This follows Meta’s recent loss in a separate trial over child exploitation claims, where a New Mexico jury ordered the company to pay $375 million in civil damages. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced plans to push for regulatory changes, including platform reforms and algorithmic adjustments, as part of the state’s response. Meanwhile, Meta is reportedly cutting hundreds of jobs while offering new stock options to retain key executives. The company also announced the return of Hugo Barra to its leadership team as it seeks to strengthen its position in the artificial intelligence sector. Meta’s stock has declined nearly 10% this year, reflecting investor concerns over the legal and operational challenges facing the firm. Global oil prices are rising amid renewed optimism that the U.S.-Iran conflict may be de-escalating. European energy giants warned of potential shortages due to the ongoing war, while the U.S. Postal Service announced plans to implement a temporary 8% fuel surcharge for deliveries, citing the impact of rising oil prices on operational costs. Space stocks surged after reports surfaced that SpaceX could file for a public offering as early as this week.#los_angeles #meta_platforms_inc #new_mexico #raul_torrez #google_youtube
