Overview
On 16 September 2026, Reuters reported that U.S. equity futures pointed to a Wall Street rebound after six negative sessions in seven, driven by a dip in oil prices and expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike.
Market Futures
At 08:55 ET (12:55 GMT), benchmark S&P 500 futures were up 0.3%, the tech‑heavy Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.5%, and Dow Jones futures added 0.2%. These gains followed a previous session where major averages retreated amid a spike in U.S. Treasury yields to near‑two‑decade highs.
Oil and Energy
Crude oil (LCO) slipped 1.20% as an unexpectedly large build in U.S. crude inventories tempered the earlier rally sparked by a widening Middle‑East conflict. Despite the price pull‑back, oil remained elevated because of uncertainty surrounding Saudi Arabia’s now‑closed east‑west pipeline. Energy stocks, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, traded slightly lower in pre‑market activity.
Federal Reserve Outlook
The Federal Open Market Committee is widely expected to raise the policy rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75 %–4.00 %, marking the first increase since 2023. The anticipated hike is underpinned by robust labor‑market data—August job additions outpaced forecasts—and a 1.2 % month‑over‑month rise in August retail sales, surpassing the consensus estimate of 0.8 % and reversing July’s 0.5 % decline. Analysts from Deutsche Bank, Citi and BofA Securities noted that the Fed’s move would aim to manage inflation risks while the economy remains resilient.
Policy Guidance
Market participants will watch Fed Chair Kevin Warsh for guidance on the forward path, although he has repeatedly signaled a limited provision of forward‑looking information.
Technology Sector Note
Intel shares rose in pre‑market trading after Reuters reported that memory‑chip maker SK Hynix is in discussions to produce chips in the United States. SK Hynix later clarified that no definitive plans have been confirmed.
Additional Context
The article also referenced a broader debate among high‑profile artificial‑intelligence executives calling for a slowdown in AI development due to safety concerns, though no specific actions were detailed.