Stock futures are little changed after Nasdaq hits new record: Live updates

On October 5, the Nasdaq reached a record high close, driven by Nvidia and Microsoft, as investors turned their attention to lower oil prices and upcoming quarterly earnings reports. The second day of strong gains followed weaker-than-expected jobs data on October 2, which reduced expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate hike.

Nvidia climbed 2.1% to set a record-high close, pushing its market value to US$5.76 trillion. Microsoft also gained 1.5%, while Meta Platforms and Tesla increased by roughly 2% each. Oil prices dropped after higher Middle Eastern crude exports and a G7 pledge to boost supplies. Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth, noted that investors are seeking positive news amid a light economic data calendar and earnings reports arriving in a week.

The S&P 500 rose to a 0.3% level below its August 13 record high, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.18%. The Nasdaq's previous record close was on September 22. The S&P 500's third-quarter earnings season begins with reports from major US banks, with analysts predicting a 30% year-over-year jump in S&P 500 earnings, largely fueled by AI-related stocks.

After jobs data on October 2 showed slower US job growth, traders' odds of a Fed rate hike during the October meeting fell to 24%, down from 70% a week earlier. PTC surged 33% following the announcement of a US$22.6 billion acquisition of the software firm by France’s Schneider Electric. The S&P 500 closed at 7,773.95 points, the Nasdaq at 27,477.31 points, and the Dow Jones at 51,267.90 points.

Ten of the 11 S&P 500 sector indexes rose, led by materials and communication services. Optimism about strong corporate earnings has enabled US stocks to outperform global rivals in the last six months, despite rising Treasury yields and higher oil prices due to the US war with Iran.