US stock futures showed a slight recovery attempt on Friday morning, following a significant selloff across key indexes in the previous session. Investors are on edge as they await an important inflation report scheduled for release just before the market opens, which could influence market sentiment and Federal Reserve policy decisions.
Futures tied to the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average exhibited minimal fluctuations around their baseline levels. On Thursday, however, all three major indexes faced substantial declines, characterized by intense selling pressure that rippled through various sectors, notably real estate, transportation, and software. The S&P 500 fell approximately 1.6%, and the Nasdaq Composite experienced a sharper decline of about 2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also suffered, declining nearly 670 points, or 1.3%.
The technology sector was particularly hard hit, with all seven members of the “Magnificent Seven”—a group of influential tech companies—finishing in the red. Cisco Systems saw a notable drop of 12% after releasing disappointing forward guidance, exacerbating the overall market downturn. Apple shares fell by 5%, marking its largest one-day decline since April 2025.
In contrast, after-hours trading brought some positive news for certain companies. Chip equipment maker Applied Materials surged 11% following a quarterly earnings report that exceeded expectations and provided an optimistic outlook. Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, saw its shares increase by 14% after releasing an earnings report that reported revenue of $1.286 billion, surpassing the anticipated $1.26 billion.
As investors process these developments, focus remains on forthcoming corporate earnings and macroeconomic data. The consumer price index report for January, a critical inflation gauge, is particularly under scrutiny, as it could have ramifications for the Federal Reserve’s already complex policy strategy.
Earnings reports continue to flow in, with Moderna expected to report on Friday. The company’s stock has seen a 10% decline this week following a setback when the FDA rejected its investigational flu vaccine.
As the markets brace for additional data, analysts remain attentive to how both corporate performances and economic indicators will interact in shaping investor expectations and market trends in the near future.
