US stock futures showed a slight increase late Thursday as investors prepared for a significant employment report and anticipated a possible Supreme Court ruling that could alter the future of President Trump’s tariffs. The futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.2%, while contracts tied to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both climbed about 0.1%.
During Thursday’s trading session, market dynamics shifted as technology stocks faced pressure. The Nasdaq Composite experienced declines with notable drops from companies such as Nvidia, Palantir, and Broadcom. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average made strides, nearing its record high, signaling a possible rally in traditional sectors.
Looking ahead, Friday’s market activity will hinge on two critical events. The first event is a Supreme Court opinion day, where the court may discuss the legality of tariffs implemented by the Trump administration. The outcome of this ruling has the potential to significantly impact economic strategies and reshape global trade relations if the tariffs are deemed unlawful.
The second focal point is the release of the December jobs report, expected to be published before the market opens. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg anticipate a payroll growth of approximately 70,000 jobs and a slight decrease in the unemployment rate to 4.5%. This report is particularly important for the Federal Reserve, as it will influence their upcoming interest rate decision, which is scheduled within three weeks.
Additionally, investors are keenly observing Trump’s announcement for the federal government to buy $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities. This initiative aims to reduce mortgage rates and tackle escalating affordability issues, though many details surrounding the plan remain undisclosed.
As the first full week of 2026 comes to a close, all three major indexes are on track to finish higher. The S&P 500 has increased nearly 1% this week, while the Dow and Nasdaq show gains of approximately 1.8% and 1.1%, respectively. As the markets await the significant events on Friday, all eyes will be on the potential market implications of the employment figures and the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs.
