U.S. stock futures advanced on Wednesday, with S&P 500 futures setting new records as investors positioned themselves in anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s latest policy announcement and a series of high-profile earnings reports from leading technology companies.
As of 4:12 P.M. (GMT+7), Dow Jones Industrial Average futures ticked up 0.01%, or 5.40 points, to 49,008.80 points, while S&P 500 futures edged up by 0.33%, or 23.10 points, to 7,001.70 points. Nasdaq 100 futures also climbed 0.81%, or 211.30 points, to 26,151.00 points
Market participants are awaiting the Federal Reserve’s announcement later in the day, marking the central bank’s first policy decision of this year. The consensus among policymakers points to interest rates remaining steady between 3.5% and 3.75%.
Attention has shifted to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s statements for any indications on future monetary policy. According to CME FedWatch data, investors currently anticipate two 0.25 percentage point rate reductions before the end of 2026.
The central bank’s policy decision takes place amid heightened political scrutiny. U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has initiated a criminal investigation into Chair Powell over his recent Senate testimony regarding renovations at the Fed’s headquarters. Additionally, markets are monitoring Trump for the imminent announcement of Powell’s successor.
In corporate news, earnings reports are scheduled after Wednesday’s session from Tesla, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms. Apple is set to deliver its results on Thursday, with these releases expected to influence broader investor sentiment.
