Futures Pull Back After Wall Street’s Record-Breaking Week

​Cooling Off After the Highs
U.S. stock futures slipped Monday as traders caught their breath after a milestone week that saw the Dow Jones and S&P 500 close at record highs. Futures on the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all dipped around 0.4%.

Fed Cut Debate Still Fresh
Last week’s quarter-point Fed rate cut — the first of 2025 — still has Wall Street buzzing. Some see it as fuel for a continued rally, while others warn it could backfire if the labor market keeps weakening.

Inflation Data in Focus
This week’s marquee event is Friday’s PCE inflation report, the Fed’s preferred gauge. Economists expect stubborn pricing pressures, but not enough to derail the central bank’s current easing path.

Earnings Watchlist
Corporate earnings are thin this week, but Micron will be closely watched for AI-related demand updates, while Costco’s numbers should offer clues on consumer spending resilience.

Global Market Moves
- BYD shares sank after reports that Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway sold its entire stake, ending a 15-year run.
- Samsung popped more than 5% after Nvidia cleared its advanced HBM3E chips for AI systems, putting it in direct competition with SK Hynix.
- Across Asia, stocks wavered as Trump’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee rattled sentiment, especially in India’s massive IT sector.

Gold Shines Brighter
Meanwhile, gold held its fifth straight weekly advance, hovering just below record highs as investors bet on more easing from the Fed.

The Bottom Line
​After a record-setting run, markets are in pause mode. With inflation data on deck and global headlines swirling, traders are bracing for the next move that could either extend the rally — or cut it short.