Futures Edge Lower: Dow -0.11%, S&P/Nasdaq -0.20%

• Dow Jones Industrial Average futures down by 0.11%, and S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures lower by approximately 0.20%.
• Major indexes hit new milestones last week, fueled by Nvidia’s impressive earnings.
• Shares of Chinese EV makers Nio and Xpeng significantly decrease, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index falling by 0.70%.

U.S. equity futures edged lower on Monday, indicating a cautious start to the week as investors await the latest reading on inflation and digest a series of significant earnings reports. The futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a slight decline of 0.11%, while those tied to the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 experienced a modest drop of about 0.20% each. This cautious sentiment reflects the market’s anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, a critical indicator that could influence future monetary policy decisions.

Indexes Soar: Dow Peaks, S&P Hits 5,100

Despite the subdued start, the stock market is coming off a strong performance, with major indexes reaching new heights last week. The Dow closed at an unprecedented high, and the S&P 500 briefly surpassed the 5,100 mark, demonstrating the market’s resilience and optimism. The Nasdaq Composite also hit a 52-week high, buoyed by Nvidia’s blockbuster earnings. However, as the final week of February unfolds, investors are bracing for potential volatility, with a slew of big earnings reports on the horizon that could sway market dynamics.

EV Stocks Dip: Hang Seng Down 0.70%

The electric vehicle (EV) sector, particularly in Asia, encountered challenges. Shares of major players like Xiaomi, Nio, and Xpeng declined. Furthermore, Xiaomi’s announcement targeted a consumer niche for its upcoming electric car. However, this failed to boost investor sentiment, leading to a 1.00% drop in its shares. Similarly, Nio and Xpeng experienced significant decreases. This reflects broader concerns within the EV market. Additionally, the downturn affected Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index, which fell by 0.70% in midday trading. Consequently, this highlights the challenges facing the EV sector amidst shifting market dynamics.

As investors navigate through this pivotal week, focus shifts. All eyes will be on the Federal Reserve’s inflation data. Similarly, the earnings reports from key sectors are highly anticipated. Together, these could significantly influence market trends in the coming months.