Investors Await Key Inflation Data Amid Surge in Tech Stocks

NEW YORK, U.S. — Stock futures rose Friday as investors braced for a significant inflation report. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to reveal an increase in inflation for September, influenced by tariff pressures.

Futures tied to the S&P 500 climbed 0.3%, and Nasdaq futures gained 0.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose by 0.2%. This follows consecutive weeks of gains across major indexes. Gold futures were down 1.6% at $4,080 an ounce, while Bitcoin traded higher at approximately $111,100.

Economists predict the CPI will show a 3.1% increase compared to a year ago, marking the highest annual inflation rate since May 2024. The delayed report, which was initially scheduled for October 15, comes amidst uncertainties due to the ongoing government shutdown.

President Donald Trump announced he was halting all trade negotiations with Canada following Ontario’s use of a past audio clip featuring former President Ronald Reagan. Trump criticized the ad as “fake” and reiterated the importance of tariffs to national security and the economy.

Meanwhile, Intel‘s shares surged in premarket trading after the chipmaker reported earnings that exceeded analysts’ expectations. Intel announced a profit of 23 cents per share, surpassing the forecasted 2 cents. Revenue also rose by 3% to $13.7 billion.

Ford‘s shares climbed after the automaker reported a 9% increase in revenue, totaling $50.5 billion, well above analysts’ projections. However, Ford lowered its 2025 earnings outlook due to anticipated costs ranging from $1.5 billion to $2 billion.

As markets await the CPI report, expectations remain high that it will influence the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.