Last Updated: 4:01 PM EST
Stock indices finished today’s trading session mixed. The Nasdaq 100 (NDX) and the S&P 500 (SPX) fell 0.49% and 1.21%, respectively. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained 0.08%.
Separately, the Texas manufacturing sector experienced a decline in February after a notable increase in January. According to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey, the production index fell 21 points to -9.1, which indicated a contraction in factory activity. Other key measures, such as new orders and capacity utilization, also declined this month.
In addition, business executives’ perceptions of broader business conditions got worse in February, as the general business activity index plummeted 22 points to -8.3, while the company outlook index fell 24 points to -5.2.
Despite the decline in current activity, manufacturers remain optimistic about the future. Expectations for increased manufacturing activity six months from now are still positive, although they are below January’s levels. Indeed, the future production index fell to 28.3, while the future general business activity index fell to 7.7.
First Published: 2:59 AM EST
U.S. stock futures climbed early Monday, signaling a potential rebound after a downturn late last week. Looking ahead, investors will focus on several key economic data and corporate earnings reports due this week. Futures on the Nasdaq 100 (NDX), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the S&P 500 (SPX) were up 0.31%, 0.47%, and 0.4%, respectively, at 2:54 a.m. EST, February 24.
The previous week saw substantial losses across major indices. The Dow Jones witnessed its worst weekly performance since October 25 and was down 2.5%. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite (NDAQ) also declined 1.7% and 2.5%, respectively. These declines were fueled by renewed concerns about U.S. economic growth.
In this week’s economic calendar, the Consumer Confidence data is scheduled for release on Tuesday. Also, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, will be made public on Friday. These reports will provide insight into inflation’s path in January and the Fed’s monetary policy decisions.
On the corporate front, several companies will release their earnings reports such as Salesforce (CRM), Lowe’s (LOW), Home Depot (HD), Lucid Group (LCID), Snowflake (SNOW), eBay (EBAY), Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), and Stellantis (STLA).
Moreover, AI giant Nvidia (NVDA) will release its fourth-quarter results on Wednesday. Investors will closely watch the report for any impact from the recent emergence of the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, which has raised questions about the long-term prospects of AI companies.
Meanwhile, the U.S. 10-year treasury yield was up, floating near 4.445%. Simultaneously, WTI crude oil futures are trending lower, hovering near $70.30 per barrel as of the last check.
Elsewhere, European indices are expected to open higher on Monday as investors digest the results of Germany’s general election. Traders are optimistic that the new government will boost spending to address economic challenges.
Asia-Pacific Markets Traded Lower on Monday
Asia-Pacific indices were in the red today as investors evaluated Beijing’s 2025 action plan to attract foreign investment. Also, caution increased as traders awaited key U.S. data, including the PCE report and GDP growth estimate.
Notably, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 0.45%. Further, China’s Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Component indices were down 0.18% and 0.08%, respectively.
Investors should note that the Japanese markets were closed today in observance of Emperor’s Birthday.
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