U.S. stock futures are showing modest gains this Monday, August 11, 2025, signaling a cautious yet optimistic start to the trading week as investors brace for a critical batch of inflation data and continue to digest fresh headlines concerning major technology companies. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) were up approximately 0.3%, while S&P 500 (SPX) futures climbed roughly 0.2%. Nasdaq-100 (NDX) futures, however, edged higher by a narrower margin, or were little changed, reflecting sector-specific pressures in the technology space despite last week's record-setting performance. This pre-market movement suggests Wall Street may look to extend last week's rally, which saw major indexes close with solid gains, largely fueled by strength in the technology sector.
Market Indexes and Premarket Activity
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) closed last week with back-to-back record highs, while the benchmark S&P 500 came within a fraction of its all-time closing level. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted significant gains, rising 0.5% or 206.97 points to close at 44,175.61 on Friday. This morning, U.S. stock futures are broadly flat to slightly higher as investors anticipate key economic data releases later in the week. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 0.2%, S&P 500 futures gained 0.08%, and Nasdaq futures added 0.1% as investors positioned ahead of a data-heavy week. The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as Wall Street's "fear gauge," fell more than 5% in early trading, indicating expectations of a calmer market environment to start the week. However, investors remain aware that upcoming economic releases and trade policy headlines could quickly alter sentiment.
Upcoming Market Events: Inflation and the Fed in Focus
The primary focus for investors this week will be inflation data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is scheduled for release on Tuesday, followed by the Producer Price Index (PPI) on Thursday, and retail sales data on Friday. These reports are crucial as they are expected to shape the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions in September. Markets are currently pricing in a high likelihood, around 90%, of a 25 basis point rate cut at the September Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
Federal Reserve officials remain divided on the pace and scale of potential rate cuts. Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman has been a vocal proponent for three interest rate cuts in 2025, citing signs of a weakening labor market, including higher unemployment and slower payroll growth. Her stance is reinforced by recent weaker-than-expected jobs data. While the Fed's majority has adopted a more cautious approach, wary of President Donald Trump's tariffs potentially fueling inflation, Bowman believes that excluding tariff-related price increases, inflation is "much closer" to the Fed's 2% target.
Beyond inflation, trade and geopolitical developments are also on investors' radar. The U.S.-China tariff truce is due to expire on Tuesday, and new U.S.-China export revenue rules for chipmakers are a key concern.
Major Stock News and Corporate Announcements
Several major companies are making headlines today:
- Apple (AAPL) saw its best weekly gain since 2020 last week, driven by optimism surrounding U.S. tech policy and a high-profile White House meeting.
- Chipmakers Nvidia (NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) are in focus, with shares down in premarket trading. Reports indicate they have agreed to give the U.S. government a 15% share of revenues from certain AI chips sold in China in exchange for export licenses. This news comes after Nvidia hit a record high on Friday.
- Intel (INTC) shares jumped about 3% in premarket trading. This surge follows reports that CEO Lip-Bu Tan is set to visit the White House, days after President Trump called for his resignation over ties to Chinese businesses.
- C3.ai (AI) shares plunged 30% in pre-market trading after the company announced a sharp revenue guidance cut.
- Electric vehicle giant Tesla (TSLA) saw its shares rise 1.5% in premarket trading, contributing to the broader mega-cap tech strength.
- In earnings news, Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD) shares jumped 8.3% after surpassing second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings estimates. Conversely, The Trade Desk Inc. (TTD) shares plunged 38.6% after missing its second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings forecast. Texas Roadhouse Inc. (TXRH) also saw its shares tumble 6.6% after lagging Q2 earnings estimates, while Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) climbed 7.7% after outpacing expectations.
- AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC) reported its second-quarter 2025 results today.
- Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX) announced a transition in its President and Chief Operating Officer role.
- Upstart Holdings, Inc. (UPST) announced a proposed private offering of $500 million in convertible senior notes due 2032.
- In the cryptocurrency space, Bitcoin hit a fresh record in early trading, with Coinbase Global (COIN) and MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares rising in reflection.
- On the international front, Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended higher, led by strong action in banking and auto stocks. Tata Motors (TATAMOTORS) and Adani Enterprises (ADANIENT) were among the top gainers in India. Motilal Oswal Financial Services also recommended AU Small Finance Bank (AUBANK) and Bharti Airtel (BHARTIARTL) as top stock picks for the week.
As the trading day unfolds, market participants will closely monitor incoming economic data and corporate developments, particularly the inflation reports, which are expected to dictate the market's direction and the Federal Reserve's future policy decisions.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.