US stock futures jump today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq turn green ahead of key economic data and holiday-thinned trading
US stock futures were mostly flat early Tuesday as investors braced for a batch of delayed economic reports that could help clarify the health of the American economy. Futures tied to the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average hovered near the flatline after Wall Street posted its third straight session of gains to start the week.
The cautious tone comes as the S&P 500 sits just about 0.3% below its all-time high, keeping hopes alive for a year-end rally. Recent sessions have seen money flow back into equities after last week’s data showed cooling inflation and a softer labor market, reinforcing expectations that interest-rate cuts remain likely in 2026. For now, traders appear content to wait, with futures suggesting limited movement at the open.
Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures stay firm ahead of holiday trading
Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose to 48,716, up 0.06%, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.08% to 6,935.75. Nasdaq futures also inched higher, up 0.11% at 25,719.50, reflecting steady risk appetite despite thin volumes.
The muted move follows recent gains in US equities, with investors reluctant to make aggressive bets ahead of year-end and limited economic data. Markets remain focused on expectations for interest-rate cuts in 2026 after recent inflation readings showed easing price pressures. With Christmas approaching, many traders are stepping back, keeping futures range-bound but positive. Analysts say even small gains are notable this late in December, as positioning shifts toward protecting year-end returns rather than chasing rallies.
Tuesday’s economic calendar is light but important. Markets will get a delayed first look at third-quarter US GDP, offering insight into growth before the recent federal shutdown disrupted data releases. While the report is unlikely to shift rate expectations dramatically, it could confirm whether economic momentum remained resilient through late summer.
Later in the day, December consumer confidence data from the Conference Board will be closely watched. Confidence readings have become a key narrative in 2025 as higher-income consumers continue spending, while lower-income households feel pressure from elevated prices. Any surprise here could influence short-term market sentiment.
Gold and silver prices continued to climb alongside equities. Futures for gold and silver added to a powerful rally that has put both metals on track for their strongest annual performance in more than four decades.Gold futures (GC=F) are trading near $4,460 per ounce, up about 1.7% in the latest session. Prices are hovering close to record highs, supported by easing inflation, a softer dollar, and strong safe-haven demand. Gold is on track for its best annual performance in over 40 years.
Silver futures (SI=F) are trading around $68.80 per ounce, up nearly 2% on the day. Silver continues to outperform gold, driven by tight supply, industrial demand, and speculative momentum. Year-to-date gains are now above 139%, marking an exceptional rally.
Analysts point to falling inflation, expectations of lower interest rates, and strong investor demand as key drivers behind the move, making precious metals one of 2025’s standout asset classes.
Pre-market US stock movers today
Individual stocks showed sharper moves than the broader market in premarket trading. Novo Nordisk surged more than 7% after US approval of its oral Wegovy weight-loss pill, lifting sentiment around healthcare and obesity-treatment stocks. Tesla shares edged higher, hovering near recent highs after a strong multi-week rally.
On the downside, Rocket Lab slid more than 5%, while some small-cap names saw extreme volatility. Sidus Space dropped sharply, highlighting continued risk in speculative stocks. NVIDIA traded flat, suggesting investors are pausing after a strong tech-led run.
Top Gainers
- Cemtrex, Inc. (CETX) — +30.36%
- Novo Nordisk A/S Sponsored ADR Class B (NVO) — +7.32%
- Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd. Class A (AZI) — +2.41%
- Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Class A (RXRX) — +0.45%
- Plug Power Inc. (PLUG) — +0.47%
- Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) — +0.35%
- Rezolve AI PLC (RZLV) — +0.35%
Top Losers
- Sidus Space, Inc. Class A (SIDU) — -39.08%
- Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) — -5.54%
- Nebius Group N.V. Class A (NBIS) — -1.10%
Looking ahead, trading conditions are expected to remain thin. US stock markets will close early on Wednesday and remain shut all day Thursday for the Christmas holiday. With fewer sessions left in the year and limited data ahead, investors are likely to focus on whether the S&P 500 can break into record territory before year-end, or if markets pause after a strong December rebound.