U.S. stock futures were little changed early Monday, as traders looked ahead to another round of corporate earnings while bracing for a lack of key U.S. economic data amid the protracted government shutdown. The closure, now lasting over a month, threatens to delay another critical snapshot of the labor market. Meanwhile, attention is also on Palantir Technologies’ upcoming earnings and President Donald Trump’s latest remarks on restricting exports of Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips.
Futures Hold Steady
Wall Street futures ticked slightly higher at the start of the week, as investors assessed how equities may perform following a busy stretch of earnings reports and policy updates.
By 03:08 ET, Dow futures were nearly flat, S&P 500 futures gained 3 points, or 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 33 points, or 0.1%.
Major indexes closed higher on Friday, ending a strong week that featured results from tech heavyweights, central bank rate decisions, and renewed talks between the U.S. and China.
A sharp rally in Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) shares after stronger-than-expected sales helped lift the broader market, offsetting concerns over Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), which warned of supply chain challenges heading into the crucial holiday season. Comments from Federal Reserve officials hinting at caution on further rate cuts also tempered optimism.
Shutdown Clouds Economic Picture
Investors are keeping a close eye on the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which is nearing record length and disrupting the release of key economic reports.
The lack of government data is complicating the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, with inflation figures for September already published but major employment indicators still missing.
This week’s highly anticipated nonfarm payrolls report may be postponed, along with the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), leaving markets without essential labor data.
Analysts at Vital Knowledge noted that “in some ways, people are feeling even more confused than before,” as the lack of information deprives investors of a clear direction heading into the year’s final months.
The Wall Street Journal reported that some progress had been made in Washington toward ending the shutdown, but President Donald Trump’s call for Republican senators to sidestep Democrats has cast uncertainty over any potential agreement.
Palantir to Report After the Close
Data analytics and software group Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR) is set to release quarterly results after the market closes on Monday.
The company raised its full-year guidance twice in 2025, reflecting strong demand for its artificial intelligence-driven software across both government and commercial clients.
A renewed focus on national security by the Trump administration, along with the Pentagon’s pivot toward commercial and “non-traditional” suppliers, has further bolstered Palantir’s position.
Shares of Palantir have more than doubled this year amid investor enthusiasm over the company’s role in the growing AI ecosystem and rising U.S. defense spending.
Consensus forecasts compiled by Bloomberg call for third-quarter operating profit of $255.6 million on $1.09 billion in revenue.
Trump Moves to Tighten Nvidia Chip Exports
President Donald Trump said that Nvidia’s top-tier AI processors would be reserved exclusively for U.S. companies, barring sales to China and other nations.
Speaking to CBS’ 60 Minutes and later aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that Nvidia’s powerful Blackwell chips should remain within the U.S. market.
“We don’t give the Blackwell to other people,” he said.
Trump added that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not discuss the issue of chip access during their meeting in South Korea last week, despite earlier speculation that it would be a key topic.
His latest comments signal a willingness to impose stricter limits on exports of high-end AI technology developed by U.S. firms.
Oil Prices Extend Gains After OPEC+ Decision
Crude prices continued to climb Monday after OPEC+ announced it would hold off on production increases in the first quarter of 2026, easing concerns about oversupply.
Brent crude rose 0.7% to $65.20 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.7% to $61.41.
The group of oil producers — comprising OPEC and allied nations — confirmed it will raise output by 137,000 barrels per day in December, maintaining the pace from October and November.
While widely expected, the decision to pause further hikes early next year reflects concerns over a potential glut and slower demand during the winter months. OPEC+ noted that January through March is typically the weakest quarter for global oil consumption.