United States stock futures were mostly higher during Thursday's evening deals (Friday AEST) as investors awaited the release of the August nonfarm payrolls report on Friday, following a fresh record close for the S&P 500 during the regular session.
By 9:55 am AEST (11:55 pm GMT) Dow futures were flat, S&P 500 futures ticked up 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures lifted 0.2%
In extended trading, Lululemon shares plunged roughly 13% after the company cut its full-year guidance, citing tariff-related pressures and softer demand, despite beating quarterly earnings expectations.
Meanwhile, Broadcom rose 4% on strong results and a solid outlook.
DocuSign gained about 6% following better-than-expected results and an improved revenue forecast, bolstered by robust billings.
The moves came despite weaker-than-expected ADP private payrolls for August, which showed an increase of 54,000 jobs, falling short of the anticipated 75,000.
Investors are hoping that Friday’s official nonfarm payrolls reading will support expectations for a September Federal Reserve rate cut. Markets expect the U.S. economy to add 65,000 nonfarm jobs in August.
According to the CME Group FedWatch Tool, futures markets currently reflect a 99.4% probability that the Fed will lower benchmark interest rates when it meets on 17 September.
Equities are on track for weekly gains, with the S&P 500 up 0.7%, the Nasdaq Composite rising 1.2%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.2%.
