U.S. equity futures showed a mixed pattern early Friday, following record performances in prior trading. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 were poised to extend their weekly winning streak, while the Dow slipped ahead of key retail sales data.
At 4:28 p.m. (Bangkok Time), S&P 500 futures edged 0.04% higher, with Nasdaq-100 futures advancing 0.1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures, however, declined by 66 points, a decrease of 0.12%.
During Thursday’s regular session, the S&P 500 reached a new intraday peak of 7,816.70 and ended the session at a historic high. Notably, technology and communication services stocks each posted gains of around 1%, leading the index higher.
Energy markets saw renewed momentum as oil prices increased amid ongoing instability in the Middle East, with the U.S. signaling continued enforcement of a naval blockade on Iran. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that measures to intensify Iran’s “economic isolation” could be implemented in the coming week.
On Friday, Brent crude rose 0.88% to $87.84 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed 1.07% to $82.32 per barrel. Both contracts are on track for weekly advances of nearly 6%, recovering from prior losses driven by concerns over demand and a substantial rise in U.S. crude inventories.
Currency markets reacted to recent U.S. economic indicators, weakening the dollar as traders now see less likelihood of a near-term rate increase from the Federal Reserve. A recent drop in job market data and moderate readings on consumer and wholesale inflation have contributed to the reduced expectations for further tightening. Meanwhile, government bond yields edged higher in response to rising oil prices; Thursday’s 30-year Treasury auction produced the highest yield seen in more than two decades, underscoring persistent fiscal worries.
The session is expected to remain quiet on the earnings front, but attention is turning to July retail sales figures set for release at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). Economists anticipate a modest 0.1% increase in monthly sales, based on Dow Jones consensus estimates.
