U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady After S&P 500 Hits Record on Strong Economic Data

U.S. stock index futures were little changed on Tuesday evening following a record-setting close for the S&P 500, as stronger-than-expected economic growth data continued to bolster confidence in the U.S. economy. Market participants remained cautious, however, with trading activity expected to stay subdued during a holiday-shortened week.

As of 19:48 ET (00:48 GMT), S&P 500 Futures were largely flat at 6,957.75 points. Nasdaq 100 Futures also showed minimal movement, holding steady around 25,818.00 points, while Dow Jones Futures hovered near 48,743.0 points. With U.S. stock exchanges set to close early at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday for Christmas Eve and remain closed on Thursday for Christmas Day, lighter trading volumes are anticipated across Wall Street.

During the regular trading session, U.S. equities advanced, driven primarily by gains in technology and growth stocks. The S&P 500 rose approximately 0.5% to reach a new all-time closing high. The Nasdaq Composite added about 0.6%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished up 0.2%, reflecting broad-based optimism among investors.

Sentiment was supported by fresh economic data showing the U.S. economy expanded at a robust pace in the third quarter. Gross domestic product grew at an annualized rate of 4.3%, exceeding market expectations and reinforcing the view that economic momentum remains strong. Although the data initially pushed U.S. Treasury yields slightly higher, equity markets appeared largely unfazed, as investors viewed the figures as backward-looking and unlikely to significantly alter the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory.

Markets are also entering the period commonly known as the “Santa Claus rally,” which historically refers to gains during the final five trading days of December and the first two sessions of January. So far, recent advances have kept that seasonal trend intact.

Despite resilient growth and persistent inflation pressures, interest-rate futures suggest traders still expect the Federal Reserve to begin easing monetary policy in 2026, maintaining a cautiously optimistic outlook for U.S. stocks heading into year-end.