S&P500 and Nasdaq 100: Premarket Futures Slip as Traders Await Jobs and CPI Forecast

• Wednesday's delayed jobs report expects 55,000 new jobs (down from a weak 22,000 private-payroll print), with outcomes likely to influence Federal Reserve rate expectations and near-term market sentiment.
• Friday's CPI data is forecast at 2.5% annual increase; a cooler reading could support risk assets while a hotter number may reignite inflation concerns after recent interest-rate repricing.
• The March E-mini S&P 500 futures contract is testing its 50-day moving average at 6934.55, with a sustained break above 6980.25 needed to signal true breakout momentum toward the record high at 7043.00.

Market Summary: U.S. Futures Decline Ahead of Critical Economic Data

Key Market Movements

U.S. stock futures slipped in premarket trading Monday (February 9, 2026), with S&P 500 futures down 0.23%, Nasdaq 100 futures declining 0.45%, and Dow futures falling 0.07% as of 11:39 GMT. The pullback follows Friday's strong rally that pushed the Dow above 50,000 for the first time.

Tech Sector Recovery Questions

Tech stocks showed signs of life Friday after an eight-day losing streak, with the software sector ETF gaining 3.5%. Bitcoin recovered above $70,000 after a sharp decline earlier in the week. However, analysts remain cautious about sustainability, noting software stocks entered bear-market territory two weeks ago and have struggled to maintain gains beyond one or two sessions.

Critical Data Releases This Week

Wednesday's Jobs Report: Delayed due to government shutdown, expectations call for 55,000 new jobs, following a disappointing 22,000 private-payroll figure. This data-dependent Federal Reserve pivot point could significantly impact rate expectations.

Friday's CPI Report: Consensus forecasts a 2.5% annual increase. The inflation reading, also postponed by the shutdown, remains crucial for risk asset sentiment and monetary policy direction.

Corporate Earnings

Coca-Cola and Ford Motor report Tuesday, potentially signaling consumer resilience and industrial demand strength—areas outperforming high-growth sectors recently.

Technical Analysis

The March E-mini S&P 500 futures currently straddle the critical 50-day moving average at 6,934.55. A sustained break above faces resistance at 6,980.25, with the record high at 7,043.00 the ultimate target. Failure to hold could push the index negative for the year below 6,892.50.