US Futures Steady Ahead of Key Data

2026-02-19 23:35 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

US stock futures were broadly flat on Friday after coming under pressure in the previous session, as investors positioned for key economic releases that could influence expectations for Federal Reserve monetary policy.

Markets are set to receive fresh insight into economic conditions with the advance estimate of fourth-quarter GDP, along with the PCE price index report, the central bank’s preferred inflation measure.

Minutes from the Fed’s latest meeting showed policymakers were split over the outlook for interest rates, with some officials signaling they would consider further tightening if inflation proves persistent.

Even so, traders continue to price in two 25 basis point rate cuts before year-end.

In regular trading on Thursday, the Dow slipped 0.54%, the S&P 500 declined 0.28%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.31%.

Eight of the 11 S&P sectors finished in negative territory, with financials, consumer discretionary, and technology shares leading the losses.



News Stream
US Futures Steady Ahead of Key Data
US stock futures were broadly flat on Friday after coming under pressure in the previous session, as investors positioned for key economic releases that could influence expectations for Federal Reserve monetary policy. Markets are set to receive fresh insight into economic conditions with the advance estimate of fourth-quarter GDP, along with the PCE price index report, the central bank’s preferred inflation measure. Minutes from the Fed’s latest meeting showed policymakers were split over the outlook for interest rates, with some officials signaling they would consider further tightening if inflation proves persistent. Even so, traders continue to price in two 25 basis point rate cuts before year-end. In regular trading on Thursday, the Dow slipped 0.54%, the S&P 500 declined 0.28%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.31%. Eight of the 11 S&P sectors finished in negative territory, with financials, consumer discretionary, and technology shares leading the losses.
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