U.S. stock futures inch up as Nasdaq posts weekly rise amid rate-hike backdrop

On Friday, futures for the S&P 500 edged up 0.1% and Nasdaq-100 contracts rose 0.3%, continuing the upward momentum sparked on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dipped 16 points, or 0.03%. Thursday’s gains followed the Federal Reserve’s decision to increase its policy rate by a quarter point, marking the first hike in three years, and were powered by strong performance in technology shares tied to artificial-intelligence growth.

Despite the rebound, the Dow remains on track for a third consecutive weekly decline, while the Nasdaq is the only major index in positive territory for the week. Falling Brent crude prices, down about 1.5% to roughly $103 a barrel, added to the upbeat tone, and the 10-year Treasury yield stayed just under 4.95%. Analysts cited by market participants expect the rally to persist, citing solid earnings and continued AI adoption.