Global Economy US stock futures and global markets rise on AI optimism and easing yields

U.S. stock futures advanced today, lifted by market optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and easing Treasury yields, which boosted global sentiment. Futures for the S&P 500 gained 0.3%, Dow Jones futures added 0.1%, and Nasdaq futures jumped 0.6%, signaling a positive open for Wall Street.

Investors are currently focused on a final House vote expected to end the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, which began on October 1. The Senate approved the temporary funding bill earlier this week. Analysts suggest that the relief over an impending resolution is fueling risk-on sentiment across global markets.

Global Market Activity

In global trade, the Stoxx Europe 600 advanced 0.4%. The European rally was led by German chipmaker Infineon, which climbed 2.6% after forecasting higher chip sales, specifically citing surging demand from AI data centers. London's FTSE 100 edged 0.2% higher.

Asian markets were mixed: South Korea’s Kospi climbed 1.1% for its third straight session, driven by tech stocks, while Taiwan’s TAIEX gained 0.6% after Foxconn reported better-than-expected profit forecasts. Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.4%, though SoftBank slipped 3.5%. China’s Shanghai Composite dipped 0.1%.

Bonds, Commodities, and Crypto

U.S. Treasury yields eased as bond trading resumed following the Veterans Day pause. The key 10-year yield fell 2.3 basis points to 4.086%.

Gold prices continued their strong run, trading above $4,100 an ounce, up 0.3% at $4,128.70. The precious metal remains supported by weaker private jobs data and expectations for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. Silver also rose 1.13% to $51.80, while crude oil slipped 0.84% to $60.53 per barrel.

In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin traded higher at $104,680, up 1.55%, extending gains after hitting a one-week peak on Tuesday.

Focus on Fed and Economic Data

The uptick in stock futures follows a mixed session on Tuesday, where the Dow surged to a record high while the Nasdaq slipped. Analysts note a rotation of money out of technology stocks into more defensive and value sectors.

Market sentiment is now sensitive to incoming economic data and monetary policy cues. A weaker-than-expected ADP employment report on Tuesday, which showed private payrolls fell in October, heightened concerns over a softening labor market.

Investors are awaiting fresh remarks from several Federal Reserve officials—including Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller—for clues on whether the central bank will move ahead with a potential 25-basis-point rate cut next month. The end of the government shutdown is expected to restore the flow of official economic data, providing clearer insight into the economy's health.