U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Fed Minutes Rein in Rate Cut Hopes

Technical Analysis:

* S&P 500 futures (ES=F) decline 0.3%
* Nasdaq 100 futures (NQ=F) retreat 0.4%
* Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) dip 0.2%

Market Drivers:

* Federal Reserve meeting minutes indicate pause in interest rate cuts.
* President Trump's tariffs and immigration policies cited as potential inflation risks.
* Defense Secretary announces 8% military spending reduction, impacting Palantir stock.
* Walmart earnings expected to surpass expectations.

Notable News:

* Morgan Stanley reverses bearish view on Chinese stocks, citing technology advancements.

Key Points:

* Investors digest Fed minutes, weighing the likelihood of future rate adjustments.
* Tariffs continue to shape global trade dynamics, affecting corporate plans.
* Military spending cuts impact defense-related companies like Palantir.
* Earnings season continues with Walmart's highly anticipated results.
* Wall Street analysts forecast a rise in Chinese stocks driven by AI advancements.