U.S. stock futures were little changed Monday evening following a powerful rally in major indexes earlier in the day. The S&P 500 climbed above the 6,800 mark for the first time, securing its 35th record close of 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite also ended at all-time highs, boosted by strength in the technology sector. The Russell 2000 small-cap index likewise set a new record, underscoring broad-based market gains.
In after-hours trading, Dow futures edged up around 15 points, S&P 500 futures were flat, and Nasdaq 100 futures inched higher by 0.1% as investors prepared for a pivotal week ahead.
Market attention now turns to the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting starting Tuesday, where a rate cut is widely expected. Investors will closely watch Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks for clues on possible further easing in December amid cooling inflation and signs of a softer labor market. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which has disrupted economic data releases, adds an element of uncertainty.
Optimism also persists around progress in U.S.-China trade talks, with Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping expected to meet Thursday to discuss a potential deal addressing issues such as rare earth exports, agricultural purchases, and TikTok regulations.
Meanwhile, focus remains on corporate earnings, as key “Magnificent Seven” tech giants—Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla—along with about 30 Nasdaq 100 firms are set to report results this week. Their performances will be crucial in determining whether the market’s record-setting momentum can continue.
In extended trading, shares of Nucor and Cadence Design Systems moved following their earnings reports, reflecting investors’ heightened sensitivity to corporate results. Overall, futures remain stable as traders await the Fed’s policy decision and progress in trade discussions.
