US stock futures edged higher on Friday in the wait for a key inflation reading, as fresh tariff threats added to uncertainty over Big Tech prospects.
Contracts on the S&P 500 (^GSPC) and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) both rose about 0.3%, after suffering a Nvidia-led (NVDA) sell-off on Thursday. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) also added 0.3%.
The countdown is on to the January reading of Personal Consumption Expenditures index after recent data revived concerns about a slowdown in the economy. Annual “core” PCE — which strips out food and energy prices — is the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation, is expected to cool to 2.6% and should set expectations for interest-rate cuts.
5,898.25
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+(0.37%)
As of 5:52:39 AM EST. Market Open.
ES=F YM=F NQ=F
Meanwhile, investors tiring of President Trump’s fast-paced trade policy overhaul had to grapple with fresh tensions, after China vowed to respond with “all necessary measures”. Beijing’s threat came after Trump said an extra 10% tariff on Chinese imports would take hold on Tuesday. He has also pledged to follow through on new duties on Mexico and Canada, and to impose tariffs on the EU.
Dell Technologies (DELL) released its earnings report on Thursday, and its stock slipped over 2% in premarket amid concerns about higher AI server costs. Computer and printer maker HP (HPQ) dropped 3% despite its earnings report meeting expectations.
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