Stock Futures Remain Steady as Investors Await Key Inflation Data

US stock futures showed little movement on Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of the release of a key inflation report.

Market participants are closely watching the latest personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge for inflation, which could provide insight into future monetary policy decisions.

As of early Friday, futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 19 points (0.04%), while S&P 500 futures dipped 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures traded 0.2% lower.

The upcoming PCE report, set to be released at 8:30 a.m. ET, is expected to show a 0.3% rise in February, with a 2.5% increase over the past year, according to economists polled by Dow Jones. Given the Federal Reserve’s recent upward revision of its inflation forecast, traders are watching closely to see if inflation remains persistent.

On Thursday, major stock indices posted losses amid ongoing trade policy uncertainty. The Dow fell 155 points (0.4%), the S&P 500 declined 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.5%. These moves came after former President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all foreign-made cars, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the auto industry and the broader economy.

Some investors are hoping that more clarity on trade policy by April 2 will help ease market volatility.

“I don’t expect that market volatility is going to calm until we have more policy certainty,” said Lauren Goodwin, chief market strategist at New York Life Investments.

Despite Thursday’s losses, the stock market remains on track for a second consecutive week of gains. The Dow is up 0.8% for the week, the S&P 500 has risen 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite is up 0.1%.

Several stocks were active in premarket trading:

• Lululemon Athletica: Shares fell more than 11% after the company’s 2025 earnings guidance came in weaker than expected, despite stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results.

• US Steel: Shares jumped nearly 5% following reports that Japan-based Nippon Steel is willing to invest up to $7 billion in the company to gain approval for its proposed merger.

• Bausch + Lomb: The stock declined more than 4% after the company recalled certain eye lenses due to reported complications. Wells Fargo downgraded the stock, citing uncertainty over the impact of the recall.

Reports indicate that Trump warned major automakers not to increase vehicle prices in response to the new 25% tariffs. According to the Wall Street Journal, this statement left some executives concerned about potential repercussions if they adjust pricing to offset tariff costs.

CNBC and Market Watch contributed to this report.