5 things to know before the stock market opens June 19, 2020

1. Stock futures rally after report says China will ramp up U.S. farm product purchases2. EU kicks off stimulus negotiationsGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel listens during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, who attends via video link, at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on May 18, 2020 on the effects of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.Kay Nietfeld | AFP | Getty ImagesThe 27 countries in the European Union started negotiations Friday over a 750 billion euro stimulus proposal aimed at mitigating the economic blow from the coronavirus. The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, expects the region’s economy to contract by 7.4% in 2020.  “Our ultimate goal is to reach a deal as soon as possible,” said European Council President Charles Michel.3. Coronavirus infections continue to rise, several states report record increasesPrivate First Class Armon Ramirez from the Texas National Guard is given hand sanitizer after testing people for COVID-19 in the parking lot of Memorial Swimming Pool on May 18, 2020 in El Paso, Texas.Paul Ratje | AFP | Getty ImagesThe number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise in the U.S., with California, Arizona and Florida among those reporting record infection spikes. The rising number of cases comes as states ease quarantine restrictions and businesses resume operations. Movie theater chain AMC, for example, said it would open all U.S. locations by July 24. To be sure, the uptick in new cases coincides with increased testing.4. China charges detained Canadians, alleges espionageMeng WanzhouAlexander Bibik | ReutersChinese authorities charged two detained Canadians, alleging espionage, as tensions between the two countries grow. Canada called the arrests, which took place in late 2018, “arbitrary.” The two Canadian men were arrested after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, CFO of Huawei Technologies, in 2018.5. Alibaba and JD.com sales record at China eventAlibaba founder Jack Ma attends the 5th World Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Convention at Hangzhou International Expo Centre on November 13, 2019 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China.VCG | Visual China Group | Getty ImagesAlibaba and JD.com handled $136.51 billion in sales through their respective platforms on Thursday during one of China’s biggest shopping events. Known as 618 because it falls June 18, the event was closely monitored for signs over the health of the Chinese consumer as the country tries to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.


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