US EQUITY OPEN: Stocks open lower while yields and oil climb

OPEN: Stocks are lower at the open with weakness in the Dow Jones after weak Walmart (WMT) guidance and comp sales but Russell 2000 underperforms. Sectors are mixed, Consumer Staples underperform on the WMT numbers while Consumer Discretionary also lags alongside Health Care, with the latter giving back some of its rally on Wednesday following the Moderna (MRNA) and Merck (MRK) positive cancer updates. On the flip side, energy stocks lead the gains - tracking crude gains higher, while Real Estate, Utilities and Tech also rise at the open.  Crude trades higher amid reports Houthis are preparing to enter a new phase of escalation against Saudi Arabia, while the Iranian Supreme Leader advisor Rezaei said the best response to Trump's escalation of economic warfare is to withdraw from the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, which legally binds the country to maintain a peaceful nuclear energy programme. US President Trump also told his team that chances of a deal with Iran are slim, and he has ordered a freeze on talks with Iran for several weeks.  Treasury yields are higher across the curve, with the 30-year yield now back at pre-buyback announcement levels. Fed's Daly spoke, noting rise in long-term bond yields is a global issue which reduces its usefulness as a signal for the Fed, but moves in the short end show the market understands the Fed's reaction function. She also said policy is in a good place and reiterated she supported a hold in July.  US data saw initial jobless claims below expectations while continued claims were above.  The Philly Fed was strong, with a very optimistic future outlook.  In FX, the Dollar flat despite the move higher in yields and energy prices, while Yen underperforms amid the yield move while Kiwi, Pound and Looney outperform. Gold prices are lower due to the yield environment.   STOCK SPECIFICS Coty (COTY): Sees weaker-than-expected next-quarter profit outlook and withholds FY guidance amid its business overhaul Nordson (NDSN): Top and bottom line surpassed Wall Street expectations alongside raising FY outlook Deere & Company (DE): EPS and revenue beat alongside lifting FY net income view Walmart (WMT): Comparable sales light with next-quarter and FY profit outlook short Microsoft (MSFT): Meta has quietly become one of Microsoft's largest AI customers Etsy (ETSY): Rosenblatt Securities initiated coverage with a 'Buy' rating Moderna (MRNA) gives up some of the huge gains seen on Wednesday.