US stock futures rose slightly following record-breaking sessions for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, while Japan intervened in currency markets to stabilize the yen against the dollar.

Key Points

• S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.2% and 0.1% respectively after reaching all-time highs on Thursday.
• Apple Inc. shares gained in extended trading following a positive revenue forecast from the technology giant.
• The Japanese yen traded near 157.14 per dollar after the government reportedly intervened to support the currency.
• US stocks achieved their best monthly performance since 2020 in April, fueled by strong earnings and artificial intelligence momentum.
• The personal consumption expenditures price index rose 0.7% in March, marking the largest increase since 2022 due to rising gasoline prices.

Why it Matters

The market is currently balancing strong corporate earnings and AI-driven growth against persistent inflationary pressures and geopolitical instability. Investors are closely monitoring how the Federal Reserve will manage these competing economic forces amid a divided committee and rising energy costs.