US Stock Futures Mixed as Investors Await Tariff Clarity
US stock index futures fluctuated on Friday, with the Dow E-minis slightly lower while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures traded modestly higher. This follows a robust week for all three benchmark indices, which are poised for strong weekly gains.
President Trump's directive to devise reciprocal tariffs on countries taxing US imports has garnered mixed reactions. Analysts indicate that investors may be temporarily shifting focus away from trade concerns until further data surprises.
Howard Lutnick, Trump's commerce secretary nominee, stated that each affected country would be addressed individually and studies will be completed by April 1.
Positive earnings reports and economic data have supported Wall Street indices. Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla boosted the S&P 500 by over 1% in the previous session. Key inflation indicators remained muted, signaling potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Traders anticipate at least one 25-basis-point rate cut by year-end, with a significant probability of an additional reduction.
The crucial January retail sales data will be released on Friday, providing insight into consumer spending.
The S&P 500 is currently approximately 0.2% below its record high set three weeks ago. Moderna and Airbnb are among the notable companies reporting earnings before the bell.
Tesla led gains in premarket trading, while DaVita and Applied Materials faced declines following earnings announcements.