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Tech Stocks Lift Futures Ahead of Nvidia’s Earnings

U.S. stock futures edged higher as investors positioned themselves for one of the most closely watched earnings reports of the season: Nvidia’s. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 futures all posted early gains, reflecting renewed optimism in the tech sector. Market Mood Brightens Futures tied to the Dow showed modest strength, supported by cyclical stocks. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures climbed as traders bet on continued momentum in artificial intelligence–driven companies. Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report is widely expected to influence the broader market, given the company’s outsized role in the AI boom. Why Nvidia Matters Today Nvidia has become a bellwether for tech sentiment. Its performance often sets the tone for semiconductor stocks and, increasingly, the entire market. Investors are watching for: AI chip demand updates Revenue growth tied to data centers Forward guidance that could sway market direction A strong report could ...

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S&P 500 Inches Closer to Record High Amid Optimism About Fed’s Policy and Year-End Effect

 

The S&P 500 index closed just shy of a new record high on Thursday, with the broad index gaining 0.04%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 0.03%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1%. Markets are ending 2023 on a hot streak, with all three indexes on pace for a ninth consecutive weekly gain. For the S&P 500, that would mark the longest streak since January 2004. The index is now within 0.3% of its all-time high, set in January 2022. With one trading session remaining in 2023, the S&P 500 is up 25%.

Investors are optimistic that the Federal Reserve can successfully cool inflation without inducing a major economic slowdown, which has powered the market’s recent advance. Now, some investors say the looming end of the calendar year is giving markets an extra boost. “Nobody who has caught this rally wants to incur a taxable event,” said Michael Green, chief strategist at Simplify Asset Management. “If nobody wants to sell, prices will push higher on low volume”.

The jobless claims data released by the Labor Department on Thursday indicated a gradual cooling of the economy. Initial jobless claims, considered a proxy for layoffs, were 218,000 in the week ending Dec. 23, slightly more than the 215,000 that economists expected.

Bond yields rose as prices fell, reflecting expectations of higher inflation and interest rates. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.849%, up from 3.7%.

Some investors are increasing their exposure to energy and industrial stocks, which could benefit from a strong economic recovery. Matt Dmytryszyn, chief investment officer at Telemus Capital, said his fund is boosting its position in shares of energy and industrial firms.


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