Live Updates: Stock Futures Hold Steady as Traders Await Key Inflation Data from the Fed

Traders at the New York Stock Exchange are facing a cautious start to the day. U.S. stock futures were flat as uncertainty around tariffs continues to weigh on the market. Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped slightly by 19 points, or 0.04%. The S&P 500 dipped by 0.1%, and the Nasdaq 100 fell by 0.2%.

A key inflation report is set to be released at 8:30 a.m. ET today. This data, known as the personal consumption expenditures price index, could give investors insights into ongoing inflation concerns. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones predict that inflation will rise by 0.3% in February, reaching a 2.5% increase from last year.

Investors are particularly anxious following a challenging session on Thursday. The Dow dropped about 155 points, or 0.4%. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite also faced losses, with the former declining by 0.3% and the latter slipping by 0.5%. This market turmoil follows President Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on cars not manufactured in the U.S., adding to existing worries about consumer sentiment and economic slowdown.

Market analysts are watching closely. "I don’t expect market volatility to settle until we have clarity on policy," said Lauren Goodwin, a strategist at New York Life Investments, during a CNBC interview. She doesn’t foresee an immediate change, indicating that this state of uncertainty might persist.

Despite recent fluctuations, Wall Street is still on track for its second consecutive week of gains, with the Dow showing a potential 0.8% increase, the S&P 500 up by 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite slightly gaining 0.1%.

As traders continue to process these developments, it’s clear that both the economic landscape and government policies play crucial roles in shaping market sentiments. The upcoming inflation report will be an important factor in determining the path ahead. For more detailed economic analysis, you can check out sources like the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

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