Wall Street Futures Hover as Markets Watch Inflation Data

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, U.S. stock futures held steady as investors anxiously awaited a set of inflation figures that could shape the Federal Reserve’s decision at its September meeting. Amid persistent worries about rising prices and trade tensions, the financial landscape remained unsettled.
The Labor Department is expected to report moderate gains in consumer prices for July; yet, economists warn that underlying inflation—essentially, the core measure excluding volatile items—is anticipated to post its biggest six-month increase in half a year. Such figures are being closely watched, with markets pricing in a strong 88 percent likelihood of a 25-basis-point rate cut in September.
Markets did receive a bit of relief: the U.S. and China agreed to extend their current tariff ceasefire through November 10, forestalling a return to steep, triple-digit duties that could have rattled global trade.
Still, broader concerns linger. Confidence in published data has been shaken since the abrupt dismissal of the Bureau of Labor Statistics director—sparked by revisions to previously reported payroll numbers. That decision, coming from the highest levels of government, has added a layer of scrutiny to the incoming inflation numbers.
As the day progressed, futures contracts showed little movement: Dow E-minis ticked up by 13 points, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 E-minis barely budged.
On the corporate front, several standout moves captured attention. Intel shares rose 3 percent after favorable investor commentary, Palo Alto Networks climbed just under 2 percent on a rating upgrade, and Hanesbrands exploded nearly 47 percent following news of a potential $5 billion takeover by Gildan Activewear. Meanwhile, Circle Internet surged 8.4 percent, Venture Global jumped 11 percent, and On Holding rallied 12.6 percent, buoyed by strong earnings reports and raised guidance.
In short, markets tread cautiously—caught between optimism over softened trade rhetoric and anxiety over inflation and data integrity.