US stock futures displayed a cautious tone on Friday, attempting to stabilize following a significant sell-off in the market. Investors are keenly awaiting the latest report on consumer inflation to provide direction for interest rate policies.
Futures for the S&P 500 remained virtually unchanged, while the Nasdaq 100 saw a slight increase of 0.1%. Conversely, futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped by 0.1%, signaling a potential third consecutive day of losses.
The caution in the market follows a pronounced decline in stock values on Thursday, driven by fears surrounding the disruption caused by artificial intelligence, impacting various sectors including real estate, transportation, and software. Notably, major technology stocks faced considerable pressure, with all seven of the “Magnificent Seven” companies closing in the red. Apple, specifically, experienced a notable 5% decline—its most significant drop since April 2025.
Market participants are eagerly anticipating the January consumer price index update, which will likely influence expectations surrounding the Federal Reserve’s complex policy decisions regarding interest rates.
In premarket trading, Applied Materials saw a notable surge, with shares climbing over 10% after the chip equipment manufacturer reported quarterly results that exceeded expectations and offered a positive outlook. Similarly, Rivian shares jumped 13% following the release of its earnings report, which showcased revenue of $1.286 billion, slightly eclipsing analysts’ predictions of $1.26 billion.
As the earnings season progresses, focus will also turn to Moderna, which is poised to report its results after experiencing a 10% decline in share value earlier this week, following the FDA’s rejection of its new flu vaccine.
Despite the ups and downs, the markets are showing resilience as companies continue to navigate these challenges, showcasing promising earnings reports that provide a glimmer of hope amidst prevailing uncertainties.