US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Futures Rise On Cooler Manufacturing And Rate Cut Hopes
The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Monday, Jan, 5 2026
US stock futures are pointing higher this morning, with E-mini S&P 500 contracts up about 0.25% and Nasdaq-100 futures ahead roughly 0.55%, as investors balance solid but cooler US manufacturing data with hopes for interest rate cuts. The US Manufacturing PMI sits at 51.8, which still signals growth, although new orders and exports are soft, meaning factories are busy but new business is less strong. At the same time, markets are eyeing a possible two rate cut path this year, even as the Federal Reserve has not signalled that. The key question now is whether incoming US jobs and activity data will support lower borrowing costs, a decision that could matter most for interest rate sensitive areas like real estate and utilities, as well as for growth focused sectors such as technology.
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Top Movers
- Sandisk (SNDK) surged 15.95% after adding First Solar CFO Alexander Bradley to its board.
- Baidu (BIDU) jumped 15.03% after Jefferies raised its price target following the Kunlunxin spin off plan.
- AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) climbed 14.92% as traders reacted to recent coverage highlighting its recent outperformance.
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Top Losers
- AppLovin (APP) declined 8.24%.
- Progressive (PGR) declined 6.85%.
- Palantir Technologies (PLTR) declined 5.56%.
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On The Radar
This week tilts toward key US jobs data and a trio of closely watched earnings updates.
- US labor data focus: December jobs, ADP and JOLTS through Wednesday shape views on hiring strength and wage pressures.
- Activity gauges: December ISM PMIs and Michigan consumer confidence through Wednesday highlight manufacturing conditions and sentiment.
- Costco Wholesale (COST): December 2025 sales update on Wednesday will spotlight member traffic and core warehouse spending trends.
- Constellation Brands (STZ): Q3 2026 earnings on Wednesday after market put margins and any outlook commentary in the spotlight.
- Exxon Mobil (XOM): Q4 2025 results on Wednesday at 4:00 PM, US Eastern time highlight cash generation and capital allocation.
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Don't Just Read The News, Use It
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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