U.S. Stock Futures Flat After Tariff Concerns and Fed Outlook
U.S. stock index futures were largely unchanged Friday after a decline in the previous session sparked by investors' concerns over President Trump's tariff threats and the Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook.
All three major indexes fell on Thursday, including a downbeat forecast from retail giant Walmart. Walmart edged 0.4% higher in premarket trading Friday after dropping more than 6% the previous day.
The S&P 500 is set for a flat weekly finish, while the Dow and Nasdaq are on pace for mild declines.
Earlier this week, President Trump announced plans to impose fresh tariffs on lumber and forest products, adding to previously announced duties on imported cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. Since returning to office four weeks ago, he has imposed an additional 10% tariff on all imports from China.
Meanwhile, preliminary February economic activity surveys from S&P Global are due at 9:45 a.m. ET Friday, followed by the final reading of consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan at 10 a.m. ET.
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) reading, the Fed's preferred gauge for inflation, will be released next week after consumer and producer prices readings this month presented a mixed picture.
Traders currently see at least one 25-basis-point interest rate cut by the Fed this year, with a 60% chance of an additional cut.
At 4:50 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis were up 32 points (0.07%), S&P 500 E-minis were up 0.75 points (0.01%), and Nasdaq 100 E-minis were up 23.25 points (0.11%).