U.S. stock futures are signaling a modest decline at Monday’s open, following two consecutive weeks of gains. Investors may look to lock in recent profits after the Nasdaq and S&P 500 hit record highs.
Trading activity could be muted, as markets anticipate a White House meeting between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other European leaders later today. The meeting follows Trump’s Friday talks in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which made some progress but did not produce a formal agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social, suggesting Zelenskyy could act “with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to.”
Investors are also eyeing comments from central bank officials at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium later this week, alongside earnings reports from major retailers including Walmart (NYSE:WMT) and Home Depot (NYSE:HD).
Last week, stocks showed mixed performance. On Friday, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 declined, while the Dow posted a modest gain. Specifically:
- Dow Jones: +34.86 points, +0.1%, to 44,946.12
- S&P 500: -18.74 points, -0.3%, to 6,449.80
- Nasdaq: -87.69 points, -0.4%, to 21,622.98
Despite Friday’s drop, the weekly performance remained positive, with the Nasdaq up 0.8%, S&P 500 up 0.9%, and the Dow climbing 1.7%.
Market weakness was influenced by mixed U.S. economic data, raising questions about the economy and interest rate trends.
- The Commerce Department reported retail sales rose 0.5% in July, in line with forecasts, after a revised 0.9% increase in June. Excluding autos, sales climbed 0.3%, matching expectations.
- Meanwhile, the University of Michigan reported consumer sentiment fell to 58.6 in August, down from 61.7 in July, below the expected 62.0.
- Inflation expectations also climbed, with one-year forecasts rising to 4.9% from 4.5%, and long-term expectations increasing to 3.9% from 3.4%.
- The Labor Department noted import prices exceeded estimates in July, while industrial production slightly contracted.
Sector performance was uneven: semiconductors led declines, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index down 2.3%, and bank stocks falling, as the KBW Bank Index lost 2.0%. Oil service and steel stocks also lagged, while healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotech sectors recorded gains.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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