Key Moments
- U.S. stock index futures rose, with Dow Jones Futures up 205 points, S&P 500 Futures up 32 points, and Nasdaq 100 Futures up 123 points at 05:30 ET (10:30 GMT).
- Markets are bracing for key U.S. economic releases, including the November jobs report and consumer price index. This follows last week’s 25-basis point Federal Reserve rate cut.
- Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) earnings are expected to draw attention amid shifting sentiment on AI spending and optimism for a multi-year cycle of high-bandwidth memory demand.
Futures Climb at Start of Final Full Trading Week
U.S. stock index futures moved higher on Monday as investors prepared for the last full trading week of the year. The focus is on a crowded calendar of economic data that could influence interest rate expectations.
At 05:30 ET (10:30 GMT), Dow Jones Futures rose 205 points (0.4%), S&P 500 Futures gained 32 points (0.5%), and Nasdaq 100 Futures increased 123 points (0.5%).
The main equity indices had pulled back at the end of last week. Weak quarterly results from AI-related heavyweights Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) pressured sentiment. This reignited doubts about the sustainability of large capital flows into early-stage AI technologies.
Data-Heavy Week to Shape Rate Expectations
Investors are closely monitoring several U.S. macroeconomic releases. These could clarify the likely trajectory of interest rates in the new year, after the Federal Reserve’s 25-basis point cut last week.
On Tuesday, the November employment report is scheduled. Economists surveyed by Reuters expect a modest 35,000 payroll gain. The release will also include October nonfarm payroll data, delayed previously due to a government shutdown.
Additionally, a new unemployment rate reading will be issued, covering the October period missed during the 43-day closure.
The consumer price index for November is set for release on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Any signs of labor market or inflation cooling could affect market expectations for further Fed rate cuts. The central bank emphasized that future decisions will depend on incoming economic data.
Micron Earnings Take Center Stage in Corporate News
Corporate focus turns to Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU). Its quarterly results arrive after recent weakness in Oracle and Broadcom. Investors are reassessing AI-related spending and rotation within the tech sector.
Despite these concerns, sentiment around Micron remains optimistic. Analysts at Vital Knowledge describe the outlook as “extremely bullish,” citing expectations for a multi-year upswing in demand for high-bandwidth memory chips used in advanced AI processors.
Goldman Sachs Sees Earnings and Revenue Growth for S&P 500
Even with technology sector questions, Goldman Sachs maintains a positive outlook for the S&P 500 over the next 12 months.
In a research note, Ben Snider and Ryan Hammond projected that earnings per share could rise at an annualized 12% in 2026, reaching $305. They also forecast 7% revenue growth and 70 basis points of profit margin expansion.
Goldman Sachs attributes this growth to faster U.S. GDP growth and a slightly weaker U.S. dollar. They noted that the seven largest stocks—Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Broadcom, and Meta (NASDAQ: META)—contribute roughly a quarter of S&P 500 earnings.
Selected Market Metrics
| Instrument | Move | Level / Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Dow Jones Futures | +205 points (+0.4%) | As of 05:30 ET (10:30 GMT) |
| S&P 500 Futures | +32 points (+0.5%) | As of 05:30 ET (10:30 GMT) |
| Nasdaq 100 Futures | +123 points (+0.5%) | As of 05:30 ET (10:30 GMT) |
| Expected November payroll gain | +35,000 | Reuters estimates |
| Fed policy move last week | -25 basis points | Interest rate cut |
| Goldman 2026 EPS forecast for S&P 500 | $305 | 12% annualized growth |
Oil Prices Steady After Sharp Weekly Decline
Crude oil prices were largely unchanged after heavy losses last week. Investors weighed potential supply risks from rising U.S.-Venezuela tensions and the chance of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal.
Brent futures fell 0.1% to $61.06 per barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 0.1% to $57.18 per barrel. Both benchmarks dropped more than 4% last week, reflecting concerns that supply may be growing faster than demand.
TradingPedia.com is a financial media specialized in providing daily news and education covering Forex, equities and commodities. Our academies for traders cover 
