U.S. stock futures were little changed on Monday, as investors prepared for an eventful week featuring the release of delayed economic reports and major corporate earnings. The subdued tone followed a volatile session that saw the Dow Industrial Average close above 50,000 for the first time.
As of 4:27 P.M. (GMT+7), Dow Jones Industrial Average futures ticked up by 0.14%, or 72.60 points, to 50,188.30 points, while S&P 500 futures edged up slightly by 0.04%, or 2.70 points, to 6,935.00 points. Nasdaq 100 futures, however, slipped by 0.07%, or 17.80 points, to 25,058.00 points.
The mixed movement reflects market caution after Friday’s rally, which followed a week marked by sharp sell-offs led by technology stocks before a late-week rebound. Over the five sessions, however, only the Dow delivered gains—climbing 2.5% to a record close—while the S&P 500 slipped 0.1% and the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.84%.
The past week saw software stocks face heightened selling, as broader market sentiment turned defensive amid record-setting capital outlays related to artificial intelligence. Market leaders Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are each planning significant investments in AI infrastructure, which together are projected to total around $650 billion. This intensifies competition with no clear dominance emerging.
Attention is now turning to economic indicators postponed by the recent partial government shutdown. The January employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delayed from the previous week, is set to be released, with economists surveyed by Dow Jones forecasting a payroll increase of 55,000 for the month. The January consumer price index, also rescheduled, is due at the end of the week, providing further guidance on the economic health.
A full slate of quarterly earnings is also expected, as companies including Coca-Cola, Ford Motor, Robinhood, McDonald’s, and Coinbase Global prepare to report results this week. These data points are likely to influence investors’ expectations regarding future Federal Reserve policy actions.
The direction of U.S. interest rates remains in the spotlight, as markets consider the possible implications of leadership changes at the central bank. President Donald Trump’s nominee for Fed Chair, former governor Kevin Warsh, is regarded as a hawkish policymaker and previously served during the 2008 crisis. Despite his reputation, his selection produced only a fleeting appreciation in the dollar. During Trump’s tenure, the greenback has dropped 10%.
