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Futures Steady as Tech Selloff Eases; Amazon Drops on AI Spending Surge

U.S. stock futures held steady in early premarket trading after a sharp tech-led decline earlier in the week, giving investors a moment to reassess the sector’s rapid pullback. Major index futures hovered near flat, suggesting a more measured tone after days of volatility. While sentiment remains cautious, some traders appear to be stepping back in following the recent selloff in high‑growth names. Amazon shares slipped in premarket action after the company signaled a significant increase in capital expenditures tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. The planned investment highlights Amazon’s push to expand its AI capabilities, but the scale of spending raised concerns about near‑term pressure on margins. Market attention now turns to upcoming economic data and corporate earnings, which could help determine whether tech stocks regain momentum or continue to face headwinds. For the moment, futures point to a steadier start as investors look for the next catalyst.

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Anticipation Holds Wall Street in Suspense Ahead of CPI Data

 


As Wall Street traders held their breath, the US stock market entered a state of limbo, with indices barely budging as the financial world awaits the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. The CPI report, a critical measure of inflation, is poised to provide fresh insights into the economic landscape and potentially influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions.

Investors across the board are playing a cautious game, with many opting to sideline until the key March CPI inflation report lands. The uncertainty around interest rates has cast a shadow of hesitation, prompting a mixed response in the stock market.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all reflected this wariness, displaying minor fluctuations as the market grapples with the possibility of a slower climb after a robust first quarter. The anticipation of the CPI data is not just a matter of numbers; it’s a harbinger of the economic direction in the coming months.

As the CPI report looms on the horizon, investors are less convinced that the Federal Reserve will follow through with the three rate cuts projected for this year. The strength of the US economy has been persistent, and any indication of cooling inflation could signal a policy shift as early as June.

The 10-year Treasury yield, another focal point, has edged near five-month highs, adding another layer of complexity to the stock market’s trajectory. With the 5% level seen as a significant concern, all eyes are on the yield’s movement in response to the CPI data.

In the backdrop of these economic indicators, the rising prices of metals like copper and gold have sparked additional concerns about inflation’s impact. As these commodities climb, the question of how they will feed into the broader inflationary trend remains.

With the first quarter earnings season about to kick off, featuring financial giants such as Citigroup, JPMorgan, and Wells Fargo, the market is bracing for more than just CPI data. These earnings reports could serve as another catalyst, either reinforcing or alleviating the current market sentiment.

As the countdown to the CPI report continues, the stock market’s stillness is palpable. But beneath the surface, the tension is mounting, with the potential to unleash significant movements once the data is revealed. For now, Wall Street waits in a collective hush, anticipating the numbers that could redefine the market’s course.


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