New York: U.S. stock futures inched higher on Wednesday as investors digested comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and awaited key economic data that could influence the central bank’s next moves. Futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 showed modest gains in early trading, signaling cautious optimism among traders navigating a market still sensitive to policy signals.

Powell’s recent remarks underscored the Fed’s delicate balancing act between managing persistent inflation pressures and supporting a softening labor market. He noted that asset prices appeared “fairly highly valued” but did not commit to a clear path on interest rates, reflecting the ongoing debate within the Fed. Some policymakers advocate for additional rate cuts to sustain economic growth and employment, w

See Full Page