Tech stocks lead US futures higher as markets brace for Fed decision

Tech stocks boosted US equity futures, with Nasdaq 100 contracts up 0.5%, signaling optimism before the Federal Reserve’s final rate decision of the year. Mixed US economic data, including higher jobless claims and uneven producer prices, added to market speculation of a December rate cut, with a 95% probability priced in.

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European and Asian markets struggled, with the Stoxx 600 slipping 0.1% and Asian equities declining. Investor sentiment remained cautious as China’s economic policy meeting ended without detailed stimulus measures.

Meanwhile, oil and gold posted weekly gains on geopolitical concerns and monetary easing expectations, while Bitcoin steadied around $100,000. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% on Thursday, reflecting concerns over narrowing market breadth, with declining stocks outpacing gainers for nine consecutive sessions.