US stock futures steady as Wall Street awaits Powell speech; Nasdaq lifted by Nvidia’s $100B OpenAI bet, Boeing nears landmark China deal, gold hits fresh record

US stock futures stayed steady on Tuesday after Wall Street hit another record day on Monday. Investors are waiting for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s first speech since the Fed started cutting interest rates again.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 0.1%. Meanwhile, S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures stayed flat. Stocks closed at record highs for the third straight day on Monday, boosted by excitement over artificial intelligence (AI) and hopes that more Fed rate cuts will support the market, as per the report by Yahoo Finance.

Fed and inflation watch

Powell will speak on monetary policy later Tuesday, after the Fed cut rates last week for the first time in 2025. His comments are in sharp focus. His speech will set up Friday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. Investors want proof that inflation is not rising again, as this could hurt hopes of two more rate cuts this year.

Tech sector gains

The Nasdaq led gains after Nvidia shares jumped, with news that the AI chipmaker plans to invest about $100 billion in OpenAI. Oracle shares also climbed after the White House confirmed its proposed role in a TikTok deal. All eyes are on Micron Technology’s earnings report due after the bell Tuesday, with analysts expecting nearly 40% higher sales. Investors want updates on AI-driven demand, as per the report by Yahoo Finance.

Boeing and US-China talks

Talks for a massive Boeing order from China are in final stages. The deal could involve 500 aircraft and become the centerpiece of a US-China trade agreement. US Ambassador to China David Perdue said it is a ‘huge order,’ though he did not give details.

Boeing shares rose over 2% in premarket trading on signs that President Trump’s “plane diplomacy” might deliver a big deal. Bloomberg News reported the order has been years in the making, possibly ending a sales drought since Trump’s 2017 visit to China. It depends on easing trade tensions.

Premarket trends

• Kenvue stock jumped 5% premarket after Trump linked Tylenol (its product) to autism risk during pregnancy.

• Boeing stock rose 2% premarket on the near-finalization of the 500-aircraft China deal.

• Micron stock gained 1% premarket ahead of its earnings report, with Wall Street expecting strong AI-driven demand.

Gold hits record

Gold prices touched a new record high of $3,749.27 per ounce in Asia Tuesday, after gains in the last two sessions. Gold ETFs are seeing the fastest inflows in three years, showing investors are piling into safe-haven assets after last week’s dip, as stated by Bloomberg report.
BMO Capital Markets analysts said ETF inflows are the main driver and that gold’s risk-reward outlook remains positive with the Fed cutting rates. Powell’s upcoming speech on the economy is highly anticipated, especially after last week’s “dot plot” showed divided views among Fed officials. Several Fed officials, including St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem, warned there is limited room for more rate cuts because inflation remains high, according to the report by Yahoo Finance.

FAQs

Q1. Why are US stock futures steady today?
US stock futures are steady as investors wait for Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech and the release of key inflation data.

Q2. What boosted US stocks to record highs this week?
US stocks hit record highs due to strong AI optimism, Nvidia’s $100 billion OpenAI plan, and hopes of more Fed rate cuts.