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Market Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment

  U.S. stock futures edged lower early Thursday as investors attempted to extend Wednesday’s rebound but remained cautious amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 0.4%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures slipped roughly 0.2% each. The pullback followed a strong regular session in which all three major indexes posted gains, with the Dow snapping a three‑day losing streak.  The overnight weakness reflects persistent market sensitivity to geopolitical developments. Escalating tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran continue to drive volatility across asset classes, with traders closely watching oil prices and inflation implications. Recent sessions have seen markets swing sharply as headlines shift, underscoring the fragile balance between economic fundamentals and geopolitical risk.  Despite the cautious tone, Wednesday’s rally showed that investors are still willing to buy into dips—particularl...
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U.S. Consumer Prices Rise More Than Expected in December; Weekly Jobless Claims Fall

 

The U.S. consumer prices rose more than expected in December, according to a recent report by the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% last month after nudging up 0.1% in November

The cost of shelter accounted for more than half of the increase in the CPI. In the 12 months through December, the CPI rose 3.4% after increasing 3.1% in November. This increase was higher than the 0.2% on the month and 3.2% on a year-on-year basis that economists polled by Reuters had forecasted.

In addition, the report also stated that weekly jobless claims fell. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted 205,000 for the week ended Dec. 18, the Labor Department said.

This report could delay a much anticipated interest rate cut in March from the Federal Reserve. With the resilient labor market keeping wage growth elevated, some economists expect a rate cut in May or June.


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