U.S. Stock Index Futures Decline Amid Rate Hike Concerns
Stock index futures were lower on Thursday following a significant drop in U.S. equities on Wednesday, driven by rising Treasury yields and expectations of further interest rate hikes this year. Investors are closely watching several key developments: F-35 parts reportedly ending up in Chinese custody, Google nearing the launch of its Gemini 4 AI model, and other market-moving news items that could influence investor sentiment. The broader S&P 500 (SPX) is under pressure as markets adjust to shifting monetary policy expectations. The decline reflects growing concerns about inflation persistence and potential tightening by the Federal Reserve, which has led investors to price in additional rate hikes for the remainder of the year.
