Source: Sharecast
As of 1250 BST, Dow Jones futures were down 0.01%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures had the indices opening 0.12% and 0.23% firmer, respectively.
The Dow closed 114.09 points higher on Monday, and the Nasdaq Composite secured another record close, as markets geared up for a potential interest-rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week.
Investors were holding out for two major inflation releases later this week, with the data likely to shape expectations for the Federal Reserve's policy meeting next Wednesday. Sentiment has shifted in recent days following a softer-than-expected US jobs report, which fuelled hopes that interest rates may be headed lower. However, any upside surprise in the inflation figures could challenge that narrative, prompting a reassessment of the Fed's near-term stance.
August's producer price index was due out on Wednesday, while last month's consumer price index will follow on Thursday, with both prints likely to be closely watched for signs of persistent price pressures, particularly in core categories, with traders currently pricing in a dovish tilt from the Fed, with some forecasting a rate cut as early as this month, even though officials have remained cautious in recent commentary. The US central bank has held rates steady since July, citing progress on inflation but warning that labour market resilience and energy price volatility could complicate the path forward.
On the macro front, the National Federation of Independent Business' optimism index rose 0.5 points in August to 100.8, almost three points above the 52-year average of 98. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, four increased, four decreased, and two were unchanged. The Uncertainty Index fell by four points to 93, but remained well above the historical average, due to a decrease in uncertainty about financing expectations and planned capital expenditures.
Still to come, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish a preliminary benchmark revision to its Establishment Survey data at 1500 BST, with the revision set to cover the 12-month period through March 2025. Official establishment survey estimates will not be updated based on the preliminary benchmark revision, with the final benchmark revision to be incorporated into official estimates with the publication of the BLS's January 2026 Employment Situation news release in 2026.
In the corporate space, Oracle and GameStop will report earnings after the close
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
