Stock futures nudged up on Friday as traders awaited inflation data that could further inform the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision.
Futures for the Dow Jones Industrials gained 24 points to 47,940.
Futures for the S&P 500 improved 10 points, or 0.2%, to 6,876.75.
Futures for the NASDAQ heightened 64 points, or 0.3%. to 25,686.75.
Stocks are managing to eke out slight gains this week. The S&P 500 is up 0.1%, while the NASDAQ and 30-stock Dow have added nearly 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively.
Netflix shares fell 3% in the premarket following the streaming giant’s announcement that it’s struck a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to buy its film and streaming assets for $72 billion. The deal is expected to close in 12 to 18 months.
Traders are keeping a close eye on a variety of economic data points, as the November payrolls report is scheduled to come out after the Fed’s Dec. 10 meeting.
The market will be able to sort through a fresh slate of economic releases on Friday.
The Commerce Department will release delayed September data on consumer spending and income as well as the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Fed’s primary inflation gauge.
The PCE release was delayed due to the record-setting U.S. government shutdown and will give the Fed its final inflation view before Wednesday’s interest rate vote.
Also, the University of Michigan will also release its consumer survey for December on Friday, a report that provides a glimpse at sentiment as well as the view on inflation over the near and longer term.
Overseas, the Nikkei 225 in Japan ditched 1.1% Friday, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index –sank 0.6%.
Oil prices deducted two cents to $59.65
Gold prices prospered $19.70 to $4,252.50.
