US Stock futures tick higher as S&P 500 nears record high: what’s driving market optimism today?- US Stock futures nudged upward early Thursday as Wall Street eyes another potential record for the S&P 500, which is now less than 1% below its all-time high. After a quiet session on Wednesday, where the index closed nearly flat, investors are watching closely as market momentum builds. As of the early morning hours, S&P 500 futures rose 0.3%, Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.4%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures added 126 points or 0.2%.
Markets have gained steadily in recent months, with the S&P 500 up more than 22% since its April low, which was triggered by tariff fears at the time. While those trade worries have cooled, some experts remain cautious about how long the current rally can last.
- Dow Jones futures are up 109 points, signaling a positive open.
- S&P 500 futures are higher by 20.5 points, pointing to more record-chasing.
- Nasdaq-100 futures gained 109 points, fueled by fresh momentum in tech stocks.
This uptick comes as markets digest cooling inflation data and encouraging signs from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who hinted at flexibility in upcoming policy moves.
U.S. Stock Market Futures Overview
S&P 500 Futures
- Pre-market futures are up around 0.31–0.37%, trading near all‑time highs—about 22% higher since April lows
- E-mini S&P 500 futures are currently around 6,169.75, a rise of ~0.01% in the past 24 hours
Nasdaq‑100 Futures
- E-mini Nasdaq‑100 futures have gained approximately 0.44%, now trading in the 22,560–22,570 range
Dow Jones Futures
- Dow futures are up by about 0.21–0.29% in pre-market activity
Which major earnings are on the radar today?
Earnings season continues, and two big names are in the spotlight today:
- Walgreens is set to report before the bell, giving a glimpse into the health of the retail pharmacy sector.
- Nike will announce its results after market close, with investors eager to see how the brand is handling changing consumer spending trends.
Strong earnings could help sustain the current rally, especially as the market tests new highs.
Which stocks are moving the most today?
Top gainers:
- Nvidia (NVDA) jumped 4.3%, hitting yet another all-time high after analysts boosted their price targets amid soaring AI demand.
- QuantumScape (QS) soared 31% following positive developments in its battery technology, reviving EV excitement.
- BlackBerry (BB) rallied 13% after beating earnings estimates and raising its guidance.
- AeroVironment (AVAV) surged 22%, driven by strong revenue and defense-sector optimism.
- Yum! Brands (YUM) got a nice bump after receiving a key analyst upgrade.
Stocks under pressure:
- Paychex (PAYX) tumbled nearly 10% after missing revenue forecasts and issuing cautious commentary.
- FedEx (FDX) dropped around 4% — despite beating earnings, the company’s weak outlook spooked investors.
- General Mills (GIS) fell over 5% as consumer demand appeared soft despite an earnings beat.
- Tesla (TSLA) slid nearly 4%, pressured by declining EV sales in Europe and ongoing price cut concerns.
What are the key ETFs doing right now?
- SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is trading around $607.12, up slightly in pre-market action.
- Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), which tracks the Nasdaq-100, is sitting near $541.16, reflecting strong demand for tech.
Why is the S&P 500 rallying again and how close is it to the record?
The S&P 500 has been riding a steady upward wave, now within less than 1% of its record set in February. The rally has been fueled by easing geopolitical fears, improved investor sentiment, and better-than-expected corporate earnings. The benchmark index has recovered more than 22% from its April closing low when fears over U.S. tariffs spooked investors.
The return of market optimism comes as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, championed by President Donald Trump, continues to stir debate over fiscal policy and its long-term economic impact.
Are tensions in the Middle East easing and what’s Trump’s stance?
One key reason behind the recent calm in the markets is the perceived de-escalation in the Middle East. President Trump confirmed on Tuesday that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in place, even though he expressed frustration, saying he’s “not happy” with how both sides have handled the situation. Despite these concerns, the ceasefire seems to be holding for now.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue. A U.S.-Iran meeting is scheduled for next week, which could further stabilize global markets if progress is made.
What do Wall Street experts say about the stock market momentum?
Not everyone is convinced that this bullish trend will last. Komal Sri-Kumar, president of Sri-Kumar Global Strategies, told CNBC’s Power Lunch on Wednesday, “The various macro factors that I’m looking at seem to suggest that there’s no way this situation can continue.”
He pointed to several risks: ongoing global tensions, Trump’s tariffs, and the potential fiscal consequences of new legislation. There’s growing concern that fiscal deficits might widen under the current administration’s economic plans, adding pressure on the long-term outlook.
What economic data are investors waiting for today?
Markets are closely watching weekly jobless claims data, set to be released at 8:30 a.m. ET Thursday. This report offers a key look at how the labor market is performing — a crucial factor in shaping Fed policy and investor expectations. A stronger-than-expected number could boost confidence, while a weak showing might add pressure on stocks.
Can stock futures lead to a new S&P 500 record?
With stock futures ticking higher, all eyes are on whether the S&P 500 can break through its February peak. While recent gains are encouraging, concerns about global politics, U.S. fiscal health, and corporate performance still loom.
Investors should remain alert as key earnings and data releases continue to shape the market’s next move. Whether this rally can hold or falter will depend on how the economy and policy decisions play out in the coming weeks — and how much risk appetite investors still have left.
FAQs:
Q1: Why are stock futures rising today?
Stock futures are up due to easing global tensions and upcoming economic data.
Q2: How close is the S&P 500 to its record high?
The S&P 500 is now within 1% of its all-time peak.