U.S. stock index futures edged higher on Sunday evening as investors weighed the prospect of lower U.S. interest rates against growing concerns over a cooling labor market and economy.
Futures steadied after a mildly negative Friday session on Wall Street, as weaker-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data ramped up bets on a September rate cut by the Federal Reserve. But the reading also showed a sharp deterioration in the labor market, drumming up concerns over a U.S. recession.
S&P 500 Futures rose 0.2% to 6,503.0 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures rose 0.4% to 23,771.25 points by 19:25 ET (23:25 GMT). Dow Jones Futures rose 0.2% to 45,547.0 points.
Wall St dips on dismal nonfarm payrolls data
Wall Street indexes ended lower on Friday, falling from record highs as markets fretted over a potential slowdown in the U.S. economy.
Nonfarm payrolls data for August showed the U.S. economy created far fewer jobs than expected, as local businesses grappled with President Donald Trump’s increased trade tariffs.
Unemployment also rose as expected.
The print pushed up concerns over cooling U.S. economic growth, especially amid increased disruptions stemming from Trump’s tariffs. A bulk of the president’s levies took effect from August.
But losses in Wall Street were limited as the payrolls data also cemented bets on a September rate cut by the Fed. The central bank had earlier signaled that a sustained cooling in the labor market will open the door for more easing this year.
Fed fund futures prices showed markets pricing in a 91.7% chance the Fed will cut rates by 25 basis points during its September 16-17 meeting. Markets were also pricing in a 8.3% chance for a 50 bps cut, CME Fedwatch showed.
August CPI awaited for more cues
Focus this week is squarely on consumer price index inflation data for August, due on Thursday.
The print is expected to reflect some of the inflationary effects of Trump’s tariffs, given that a bulk of them took effect last month. Trump’s tariffs are expected to be borne by U.S. importers– a trend that could underpin local inflation.
Producer price index inflation data is also due this week.
While the inflation data is unlikely to factor into the Fed’s September rate decision, it is likely to affect the Fed’s stance towards future easing. The central bank has repeatedly warned that inflationary risks from Trump’s tariffs could delay future rate cuts.
Source :
https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/us-stock-futures-drift-higher-amid-rate-cut-bets-economic-jitters-4228013
