Stock Futures Rise as S&P 500 Approaches Record High—Get Live Updates Here!

Traders are watching the markets closely as stock futures showed modest gains early Thursday. The S&P 500 is just shy of its record high, with futures up by 0.12%. The Nasdaq 100 also climbed, rising 0.17%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked up by 38 points (0.09%).

On Wednesday, the S&P 500 ended the day nearly flat. The Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.3%, but the Dow fell by about 0.3%. Despite some fluctuations, all three indexes are looking at a positive week overall, with the S&P 500 less than 1% away from its peak in February.

However, some experts express doubt about whether this upward trend can last. Komal Sri-Kumar, president of Sri-Kumar Global Strategies, shared his concerns on CNBC. He pointed to macro factors like the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict and the ramifications of tariffs imposed during Trump’s presidency.

Tensions in the Middle East may be easing somewhat as a ceasefire has been announced between Israel and Iran. While President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with both nations, negotiations with Iran are slated for next week, offering some hope for stability.

Investors are also preparing for important economic data, including May’s personal consumption expenditures price index. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell noted that the preferred measure of inflation is expected to rise to 2.3%, with a core measure anticipating 2.6%. This is up from the previous month’s figures. Powell reassured that the Fed aims to control inflation even in light of potential disruptions from the tariffs.

Some analysts anticipate a rise in inflation could negatively affect stocks, especially the Nasdaq. Sri-Kumar added that these inflationary pressures might start becoming evident in the latter half of the year.

In other news, jobless claims data is set to be released Thursday morning, providing further insight into the economy’s recovery. Earnings reports from major companies like Walgreens and Nike are also on the horizon, which could sway market sentiment.

Investors might want to pay attention to these developments as they navigate a dynamic market landscape.

For more information on current market trends and economic indicators, you can check the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

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