U.S. stock futures rose Friday as investors turned to key economic indicators and policy developments, including potential manufacturing stabilization, energy market optimism, and a White House intervention in a major steel deal.
Stock Futures Rebound After Tepid Start to 2025
As of 3:19 AM ET:
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Dow Futures +85 pts (+0.2%)
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S&P 500 Futures +19 pts (+0.3%)
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Nasdaq 100 Futures +97 pts (+0.5%)
Thursday's losses, led by a 6% drop in Tesla after reporting its first annual sales decline, were offset by lower-than-expected jobless claims, fueling speculation the Fed may keep rates steady.
ISM Manufacturing PMI Preview: Signs of Stabilization?
December’s ISM Manufacturing Index is expected to dip slightly to 48.2 from 48.4, extending the contraction streak to eight months. However, the new orders sub-index recently climbed to 50.5, hinting at potential demand recovery.
Biden May Block U.S. Steel Sale to Japan’s Nippon Steel
Reports suggest President Biden plans to block the U.S. Steel–Nippon deal, citing national security and job protection. The proposed $14B acquisition faced opposition from labor unions and lawmakers, and is now under CFIUS review.
Bitcoin Recovers Modestly Amid Regulatory Crosswinds
Bitcoin bounced back after recent declines as traders weigh regulatory clarity under a potential new Trump-led administration. Meanwhile, Tether was delisted by multiple exchanges following the EU’s crypto regulatory crackdown.
Oil Holds Gains, Heads for Weekly Advance
Crude prices remain firm:
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WTI: $73.20 (+0.1%)
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Brent: $75.99 (+0.1%)
Markets are buoyed by China’s expected stimulus and improving global demand sentiment. Both benchmarks are on track for a second consecutive weekly gain.
Outlook Summary
Key factors driving near-term market direction:
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U.S. macro data (PMI, labor market)
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Fed rate guidance
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China’s potential stimulus actions
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Company-specific stories (Tesla, U.S. Steel deal)
The market remains data-sensitive, and policy expectations + earnings signals will shape volatility ahead.