U.S. Stock Futures Dip Ahead of Fed Signals

U.S. stock index futures edged lower early Wednesday, with Dow Jones Futures down 42 points (0.1%), S&P 500 Futures falling 7 points (0.1%), and Nasdaq 100 Futures slipping 40 points (0.2%). This follows Tuesday’s gains, driven by a surge in technology stocks, notably Nvidia, which rose 4%.

Key Developments:

• Fed minutes from September’s meeting will be released Wednesday, with markets eagerly awaiting further signals on interest rates amid doubts over how fast the Federal Reserve will cut rates. Traders currently price in an 81.1% chance of a 25 basis point cut in November, with 18.9% expecting rates to remain unchanged. The consumer price index for September is due Thursday, which could further shape expectations.

Corporate News:

• Google (Alphabet) faces a potential break-up after the U.S. Department of Justice considered sanctions following an antitrust ruling, citing abuse of its dominant market position. Potential remedies could include limitations on Google’s browser, app store, and operating system.
• Rio Tinto has agreed to acquire U.S. lithium company Arcadium Lithium in a $6.7 billion all-cash deal, expanding its footprint in the electric vehicle battery supply chain.

Focus also shifts to the third-quarter earnings season, with major banks set to report on Friday.