U.S. stock index futures moved slightly higher in Asian trading on Monday. The gains followed a positive holiday-shortened week, as investors reassessed artificial intelligence-related trades and looked ahead to the Federal Reserve’s June meeting minutes.
Nasdaq 100 Futures led the move, rising 0.8% to 29,779.75 points by 01:50 ET, or 05:50 GMT. S&P 500 Futures gained 0.3% to 7,550.25 points, while Dow Jones Futures were little changed at 53,199.0 points.
Major Indexes End Week Higher
The main U.S. indexes finished last week with gains despite volatile trading conditions.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose about 2% and closed at a record high. It also marked the index’s fourth straight weekly gain. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also advanced nearly 2% each.
Investors Reassess the AI Trade
Investors are becoming more cautious about high valuations across the artificial intelligence supply chain. Recent volatility in semiconductor stocks has raised questions about whether the AI-driven rally can continue at the same pace.
However, optimism remains strong for software and platform companies. These firms are still expected to benefit from wider AI adoption across the economy.
Fed Minutes in Focus This Week
Market attention will now turn to the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s June policy meeting, due on Wednesday.
Investors will study the report for fresh clues on the central bank’s policy direction. Any signals about interest rates, inflation, or future monetary tightening could influence market sentiment.
Earnings Season Begins
Traders will also watch the early stages of the second-quarter earnings season.
PepsiCo and Delta Air Lines are among the first major companies scheduled to report. Their results could offer useful insight into consumer demand, travel trends, and corporate profitability.
Weak Jobs Data Supports Equities
A weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs report for June helped ease concerns about near-term monetary tightening.
The softer labor market data supported hopes that the Federal Reserve may avoid raising interest rates soon. This helped fuel last week’s rally in stocks.
Tech Leadership Remains Key
Investors will also monitor whether major technology stocks can regain market leadership after recent sector rotation.
Apple shares have strengthened on optimism around its upcoming iPhone lineup. At the same time, weakness in AI-focused semiconductor stocks has raised fresh concerns about the durability of this year’s technology-led rally.
For now, Wall Street futures remain supported by easing rate hike fears, early earnings expectations, and hopes that the AI trade can stabilize.
