United States stock futures traded mixed on Thursday as investors digested the Federal Reserve’s 25-basis-point rate cut and its lack of clear guidance on whether more easing will follow in December. The central bank’s cautious tone tempered optimism that had built up ahead of the policy decision.
Market sentiment also reacted to a high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both sides agreed to cooperate across multiple sectors. In a notable policy shift, Trump later lowered the tariff on China’s fentanyl-related exports to 10%, framing it as part of efforts to combat the drug crisis while strengthening trade stability.
At 4:20 am ET, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipped 0.16%, while Nasdaq 100 futures edged up 0.11%. S&P 500 futures traded largely unchanged, reflecting investor indecision following the Fed announcement and geopolitical developments.
Currency markets showed mild movement, with the euro up 0.11% at $1.16139 as of 4:27 am ET, supported by a softer dollar after the rate decision.
Investors now turn attention to a heavy earnings slate today, with major names including Amazon, Apple, Eli Lilly, Fox Corp, and Coinbase set to report. Results from these heavyweight companies are expected to provide fresh cues for market direction heading into November.
