US stock index futures were little changed on Friday, stabilizing after coming under pressure in the previous session as investors positioned ahead of key economic data that could shape expectations for Federal Reserve policy.
Markets are awaiting the advance estimate of fourth-quarter GDP and the latest reading of the PCE price index, the Fed’s preferred gauge of inflation, for fresh insight into underlying economic conditions. The releases follow minutes from the central bank’s most recent meeting, which showed policymakers divided over the path of interest rates. While some officials indicated they would be prepared to raise rates again if inflation remains stubborn, futures markets still reflect expectations for two 25 basis point cuts before the end of the year.
On Thursday, US equities retreated in regular trading: the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.54%, the S&P 500 lost 0.28%, and the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.31%. Eight of the S&P 500’s 11 sectors ended lower, with financials, consumer discretionary, and technology stocks leading the declines.
