US stock futures saw quiet trading on Friday following the Christmas holiday, as investors anticipate new record highs next year, supported by expectations of interest rate cuts and strong corporate earnings.
Performance of Major Indices
Economic reports monitored by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) indicated that the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at record highs in previous sessions. The reports also noted that Nasdaq 100 futures rose slightly by about 6 points, while Dow Jones futures saw a limited decline of 0.11% due to weak liquidity after the holiday.
Growth Engines and Artificial Intelligence
Reports indicated that “the strength of the US economy and the anticipated shift in monetary policy toward easing with the arrival of a new Federal Reserve administration next year have contributed to boosting market confidence,” noting that “the S&P 500 has gained more than 17% since the beginning of 2025, driven by the momentum of technology and artificial intelligence stocks.”
Individual Stock Performance
In terms of stock trading, Nvidia shares rose by 0.7%, and Micron Technology shares climbed by 2% thanks to strong earnings forecasts. Conversely, Biohaven shares suffered a setback, declining by 13.4% after the disappointing results of clinical trials for one of its drugs.
