Concerns Rise as Markets Await Key, Delayed Economic Data

U.S. stock futures edged lower as investors await a crucial batch of delayed economic data following the end of the government shutdown. Attention is centered on the release of retail sales and producer price index figures, which will offer insight into consumer spending and inflation, even though the data only covers September. These metrics are particularly important as Federal Reserve officials are reportedly divided over whether to proceed with a third consecutive interest rate cut (currently targeted at 3.75% to 4%) at their upcoming December meeting, with some members favoring a cut to support the labor market and others expressing caution due to the lack of recent economic information. Meanwhile, Google is reportedly intensifying its rivalry with Nvidia in the AI chip race, and Dell's latest earnings report is also anticipated.