Stock Futures Remain Steady as Investors Await a Tariff Court Verdict

U.S. stock index futures showed minimal movement on Monday as traders assessed the impact of a federal appeals court decision declaring most of former President Donald Trump’s global tariffs unlawful.

‍

With the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq closed for Labor Day, futures for both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 hovered near unchanged levels as of 9:31 a.m. in New York.

‍

On Friday, U.S. equities pulled back from record highs as some investors locked in profits. This came after the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge signaled persistent price pressures last month. Historically, September is one of the weakest months for U.S. equities a period marked by institutional portfolio rebalancing, reduced retail investor activity, and heightened volatility.

‍

The S&P 500 has already logged 20 record closes in 2025 and capped August with its fourth consecutive monthly gain, advancing 1.9% for the month.

‍

Despite concerns about short-term fluctuations, Evercore ISI strategists, led by Julian Emanuel, are encouraging investors to stay the course. They anticipate a potential 20% rise in the S&P 500 by the end of 2026.

‍

According to Evercore, occasional “scares” and market shakeups are to be expected, but these episodes could present attractive entry points for long-term investors.

‍

Although the earnings season is tapering off, this week still brings results from two major tech players: Salesforce Inc. is set to report on Wednesday, followed by Broadcom Inc. on Thursday.

‍

Beyond corporate earnings, Wall Street faces an eventful stretch ahead. Over the next three weeks, investors will digest key data on jobs and inflation alongside the Federal Reserve’s highly anticipated interest rate decision.

‍

Currently, swaps markets are assigning about a 90% probability that the Fed will move ahead with a rate cut at its upcoming meeting.

‍

With markets closed for the holiday and futures barely budging, investors are entering a crucial period. A combination of trade policy developments, tech earnings, and pivotal economic indicators could set the tone for the weeks ahead. For now, analysts suggest staying patient and viewing volatility as a potential opportunity rather than a threat.

‍