US stock futures showed little change early Wednesday as traders braced for key inflation data and Nvidia’s earnings report. The PCE price index, the Fed’s favored inflation gauge, is set for release, with analysts expecting modest increases. Nvidia’s results are also a major focus, potentially influencing the broader tech market.
US Stock Futures Tread Water as Inflation Data and Nvidia Earnings Loom
Published: August 26, 2026
Stock futures remained largely unchanged in early Wednesday trading as investors awaited crucial U.S. inflation data and the highly anticipated quarterly earnings report from chip giant Nvidia.
Futures for the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq-100 showed little movement, while Dow futures edged up 0.1% as of 2:48 a.m. ET.This comes after a positive trading session for the major averages on Tuesday, buoyed by declining yields and a drop in oil prices. The S&P 500 gained 0.3%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.7%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 160.24 points, marking its third consecutive day of gains.
Key Economic Data and Corporate Watchpoints
The primary focus for traders will be the release of July's personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index at 8:30 a.m. ET. This report is the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation. Economists anticipate a 0.1% month-over-month increase and a 3.6% year-over-year rise, compared to June's figures of a 0.1% decrease and a 3.7% annual increase.
The bond market is also under scrutiny, with U.S. Treasury yields having recently hit multiyear highs. While yields broadly fell on Tuesday, the market remains sensitive to inflation signals.
Adding to the day's significance, Nvidia is scheduled to release its second-quarter earnings after the market closes. Wall Street expects earnings per share of $2.09 on revenue of $92.28 billion. Given Nvidia's substantial market capitalization and its role as a bellwether for the technology sector, its results will be closely watched for insights into the broader market's health.
Global Markets
Asian markets presented a mixed picture in early trading. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.61%, and South Korea's Kospi gained 2.04%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200, however, was down 0.17%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up 0.68%, and mainland China's CSI 300 advanced 1.07%.
Other Market Movers
- Temasek-backed investor pitches Singapore as a gateway for Chinese robots to the U.S. amid new restrictions.
- The U.S. dollar saw a slight increase ahead of economic data and the Jackson Hole symposium.
- Bitcoin remained flat after a short-covering rally faded, trading around $78,970. Ether was down 0.46%.
- Alibaba shares gained 3% in Hong Kong trading following share purchases by top executives.
- Oil prices fell as concerns eased regarding renewed tensions, with the U.S. focusing on economic pressure on Iran. Brent crude was down 2.52% and WTI futures dropped 2.17%.
- SK Innovation shares plunged 16% after announcing plans to merge its battery materials unit.
- Zoom Communications shares dropped 4% in extended trading due to disappointing third-quarter guidance.
Investors are also looking ahead to Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium on Friday for any further commentary on monetary policy.
