Investing.com -- U.S. stock futures wobbled on Monday as investors digested the latest jobs report and braced for inflation data due Wednesday—with economic uncertainty weighing on market sentiment.
The week began with U.S. stock futures largely edging lower, as investors prepared for key U.S. inflation data and closely monitored the health of the global economy. Weak Chinese inflation data raised concerns, adding to market jitters.
European stock markets also traded lower on Monday, reflecting worries about the world's economic health. The weak Chinese inflation data heightened anxieties among investors, further dampening market sentiment.
Following the Fourth of July holiday, U.S. stock futures edged lower as traders returned to their desks. The previous session's weakness, driven by the release of the Federal Reserve minutes, continued to influence market movements.
On Friday, U.S. stock futures traded largely unchanged as investors awaited the release of the monthly jobs report. The market was in a state of anticipation, with investors hoping for positive job growth figures to boost confidence in the economic recovery.
Thursday saw a decline in U.S. stock futures, following the weakness from the previous session. The minutes of the last Federal Reserve meeting had an impact on market sentiment, contributing to the downward trend.
To gauge the direction of the stock market, investors can check the premarket price action in stock futures, including Dow futures and S&P futures. These indicators provide insights into market expectations and can influence trading decisions.
In European stock markets, Friday witnessed further losses from the previous session. The signs of an economic slowdown added to the bearish sentiment, heightening concerns about the global economy's recovery prospects.
While U.S. markets were closed for Independence Day, Chinese metal producers' shares experienced a rise after Beijing implemented export curbs on minerals. This move by China had implications for global metal markets and attracted investor attention.
