Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq reach for gains as Wall Street waits for fresh labor data

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US stock futures ticked higher on Thursday in muted trade as investors waited for further labor data and tariff-deal developments to ease uncertainty around President Trump’s policy overhaul.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) edged up 0.2%, after the blue-chip index snapped a four-day win streak on Wednesday. Contracts on the S&P 500 (ES=F) and on the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) also rose around 0.2%.

The mood is subdued as markets watch for fresh catalysts after this week’s stock rally lost steam on Wednesday. Downbeat data on private-sector hiring growth and the services sector have stoked concerns that the US economy is starting to feel negative effects from Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

CME – Delayed Quote USD

5,988.00

+(0.12%)

As of 6:22:27 AM EDT. Market Open.

ES=F YM=F NQ=F

Eyes are now on a weekly update on jobless claims and the Challenger job cuts report for May, as well as productivity and labor cost data, all due later. The readings will prepare the ground for Friday’s release of the closely watched May jobs report, which economists say will offer the “first real look at how the labor market is faring under a rapidly changing trade environment.”

Read more: The latest on Trump’s tariffs

On the corporate front, Lululemon (LULU) and Broadcom (AVGO) are due to report quarterly results on Thursday as earnings season winds to a close.

LIVE 1 update

  • US optimism in domestic businesses tanks throughout first half of 2025

    Optimism in the current state of the US economy and of US businesses has seen a rapid decline throughout 2025. After a sharp peak following President Trump’s reelection, hope for a stable economy has been in free fall, dropping 40% in less than six months.

    Bloomberg reports:

    Read more here.