Stock Futures Dip as Investors Await Key Payrolls Data

US stock futures declined early Friday as markets braced for the December nonfarm payrolls report, a pivotal indicator for Federal Reserve policy. By 03:28 ET, S&P 500 futures slipped 0.2%, Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 0.3%, and Dow futures hovered near flat. The data is expected to show 164,000 job additions with the unemployment rate steady at 4.2%. Slower hourly earnings growth, projected at 0.3%, may ease inflation concerns. Analysts caution that only a significant deviation from expectations could sway Fed rate decisions.

Recent Fed minutes and official statements reveal hesitation toward immediate interest rate cuts, with fewer reductions expected in 2025. Policymakers remain watchful of economic resilience and potential inflationary pressures from trade policies. Benchmark US Treasury yields have risen, lifting the dollar while adding pressure on equities.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) exceeded fourth-quarter revenue estimates with T$868.42 billion ($26.36 billion), driven by strong AI-related demand despite weak consumer electronics sales. December sales surged 57.8% year-over-year to T$278.16 billion ($8.44 billion). TSMC’s robust performance highlights its continued role as a key supplier for Nvidia and Apple, benefiting from increased investment in AI infrastructure.

Tesla launched an updated Model Y in China, priced at 263,500 yuan, a 5.4% increase from the previous version. Featuring enhanced seats and a second-row touchscreen, deliveries are set for March pending regulatory approval. Tesla faces stiff competition in China, its second-largest market, amid weakening global EV demand.

Oil prices gained 1% early Friday, with WTI at $74.71 and Brent at $77.68 per barrel, marking three consecutive weeks of growth. Severe winter conditions across the US and Europe have boosted heating demand, with Brent and WTI advancing 6% and 7%, respectively, over the past three weeks.