S&P 500 Futures Rise Amid Growing Federal Reserve Rate Cut Expectations

US stock futures showed mixed or wavering movements as investors closely monitored rate-sensitive stocks amid falling Treasury yields and broad expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut next week. Market sentiment was cautious due to concerns about economic slowdown balanced against hopes for policy support, with major earnings reports from companies like Intel, T-Mobile, Tesla, Halliburton, and General Motors influencing investor focus. Despite expectations of stubborn inflation reflected in the upcoming consumer price index (CPI) report, traders largely anticipate that the Fed will proceed with easing interest rates, which is expected to support the S&P 500 rally. In the UK, inflation held steady at 3.8%, below expectations, prompting speculation that interest rate cuts by the Bank of England could come sooner than previously anticipated, although the central bank remains cautious given ongoing economic sensitivities. Overall, investors are navigating uncertainty from inflation data, global trade tensions, and monetary policy signals while looking for undervalued investment opportunities amid the evolving macroeconomic landscape.