U.S. stock futures remained flat on Friday, following a downturn on Wall Street in the previous session. Investors are closely analyzing the first month of President Donald Trump’s administration and upcoming economic data.
Overview:
As of 05:54 ET (10:54 GMT):
- Dow Jones futures edged up 46 points (0.1%)
- S&P 500 futures remained unchanged
- Nasdaq 100 futures rose slightly by 22 points (0.1%)
On Thursday, major stock indexes fell, and investors reflected on the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic that shook global financial markets.
Key Factors:
Economic Uncertainty & Trade Tensions
Investors are cautious due to ongoing global trade disputes, geopolitical instability, and concerns over economic growth.
Walmart’s Weak Sales Outlook
A disappointing annual forecast from Walmart (NYSE: WMT) added to worries about the U.S. consumer economy. Despite concerns, Walmart executives noted that shopping activity remains stable.
Earnings Reports & Nvidia’s Impact
The earnings season is coming to a close, but key reports are expected next week, including from Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA)—a leader in AI and semiconductor technology.
Upcoming Economic Data to Watch
Investors are awaiting the February U.S. Business Activity Report, a crucial indicator of economic performance under Trump’s leadership.
In January, the S&P Global Business Activity Index (which tracks both manufacturing and services) was revised up to 52.7—still a nine-month low but signaling modest economic expansion.
However, manufacturing companies remain cautious about the impact of Trump’s tariff policies.
Top Movers
- Block Inc. (NYSE: XYZ): Shares fell in premarket trading after Q4 earnings came in lower than expected, despite strong holiday sales and Bitcoin price gains.
- Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ: CELH): The energy drink company soared over 30% after announcing its acquisition of Alani Nu and reporting better-than-expected Q4 results.
- Oil Prices: Crude oil declined but is still on track for weekly gains, as traders monitor supply chain disruptions in Russia and lower U.S. fuel stockpiles.
Stock Market Forecast: Where to Invest Next?
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Source: Investing.com, ChatGPT
