US futures in stock were trading slightly above the flat line on Friday as investors speculated on the scope of an expected rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve next week. Boeing (NYSE:BA) workers on the U.S. West Coast are voting to strike, putting additional pressure on the airline at a time when its safety record has come under scrutiny. Elsewhere, Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) improved its 2026 revenue target, sending shares higher in extended trading hours.
- Futures are rising
US futures in stock rose on Friday after stocks closed the previous session at their highest levels so far this month after data bolstered bets for a 25-basis-point rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve next week.
By 03:34 ET (07:34 GMT), Dow futures had added 61 points, or 0.2%, S&P 500 futures had gained 8 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq 100 futures were up 17 points, or 0.1%.
On Thursday, the benchmark S&P 500 advanced 41 points, or 0.8%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 174 points, or 1.0%, and the 30-share Dow Jones industrial average rose 235 points, or 0.6% .
The sentiment was underscored by data showing that producer prices for final demand rose at a faster-than-expected pace in August. The core figure, which strips out volatile items such as food and fuel, was also warmer than estimates. The yields fell on some market expectations that the Fed will cut by a deeper 50 basis points at its next policy meeting on September 17-18.
Even so, uncertainty still surrounds the long-awaited central bank decision. CME Group’s ( NASDAQ:CME ) closely watched FedWatch Tool now places a 57% chance of a quarter-point cut and a 43% chance of a half-point cut.
- Boeing workers vote to strike
More than 30,000 Boeing workers will go on strike after workers at the company’s plant in the US Pacific Northwest voted to stop work over demands for higher pay, presenting more challenges for the aerospace giant.
The strike is set to begin at midnight Pacific time (0700 GMT) on Friday and is the company’s first major industrial action since 2008. Local media reports in Washington indicated that 96% of members of its largest labor union Boeing has voted to strike, with members saying the wages and benefits the company offered in recent negotiations were not enough to live on.
Boeing said workers had made it clear that an interim deal reached earlier this month was “unacceptable”, adding that it was “ready to return” to the bargaining table.
The strike is another major headwind for the aerospace company and its new CEO Kelly Ortberg. The company is struggling to restore its reputation in the wake of more quality problems with its aircraft. Scrutiny of Boeing has reignited this year after a door panel from a 737 MAX jet exploded in January, while a malfunction on its Starliner spacecraft stranded two astronauts on the International Space Station.
Boeing’s last strike in 2008 cost the company about $1.3 billion due to scaled back production and higher wages.
- Oracle Raises 2026 Revenue Forecast, Shares Soar
Oracle shares rose more than 6% in extended trading hours after the database software group posted a revenue outlook for fiscal 2026 that beat analysts’ expectations.
The company said it now expects to post revenue of $66 billion during the period. Analysts had seen the number at $64.5 billion, according to LSEG data cited by the media.
Oracle also predicted it would report $104 billion in revenue by 2029, as well as 20% annual profit growth.
The company has been boosted by a surge in demand for cloud computing from the fast-growing artificial intelligence industry, though it competes on that front with tech giants such as Alphabet’s Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL ), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT ) and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN).
Oracle is one of the best-performing software stocks so far this year, trading up about 53% since Thursday’s close.
- Adobe’s guidance is disappointing
Adobe’s (NASDAQ:ADBE) fourth-quarter revenue forecast missed analysts’ expectations, sending shares of the Photoshop owner lower in late-night trading.
The California-based group said it expects sales for the period to come in at $5.50 billion to $5.55 billion, below LSEG’s forecast of $5.61 billion, Reuters reported.
Quarterly earnings, meanwhile, are estimated to be between $4.63 and $4.68 per share, compared with estimates of $4.67 per share.
The outlook comes as Adobe is introducing AI-based enhancements to its editing software in a bid to boost demand. However, spending remains subdued as customers, wary of an uncertain economic environment and rising interest rates, try to rein in costs.
- Oil on course for a positive week
Oil prices rose in European trade on Friday and were poised for a positive close to the week as concerns over supply disruptions stemming from Hurricane Francine helped crude recover from near three-year lows.
However, crude prices were still nursing steep losses from last week and traded only marginally above this week’s lows as lingering concerns about slowing demand dampened crude’s advance.
Brent crude futures for November delivery were up 0.5% at $72.34 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 0.5% at $68.50 a barrel until 03:37 Greek time.
Both contracts are on track to break a streak of weekly declines if gains hold.
At Bro In Finance, we are committed to helping traders navigate the complexities of the forex market. Our in-depth analysis, expert insights, and advanced tools empower you to make informed decisions and achieve your trading goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, Bro In Finance is your trusted partner in mastering the forex market. Visit our website for more trading tips and strategies to enhance your trading experience.
Check out our on Best Forex Brokers to know more about this topic
Check out the most crucial steps that you need to take when choosing your forex broker
Have you heard about an amazing Broker Platform called “AVATRADE“? We at Bro In Finance do recommend this amazing broker.
Check out here to figure out the best funded trader program: Which Funded Challenge is Best
Written by D Fernando
