U.S. stock futures fluctuated on February 13, 2025, as disappointing jobs data heightened economic concerns, overshadowing hopes for a trade agreement involving President Trump’s tariffs with Canada and Mexico. Futures for the Dow Jones rose slightly, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures increased modestly. The gains initially sparked by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s optimism diminished following a poor ADP jobs report, indicating weaker-than-expected job growth. Trump’s tariffs have created market volatility, with the Nasdaq nearing correction territory, as analysts warn that Trump’s unpredictability can significantly influence market reactions.
Traders were active on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on February 13, 2025.
Danielle DeVries | CNBC
U.S. stock futures showed mixed signals early Wednesday, as the latest employment figures heightened worries about the economy, diverting focus from the prospect of a compromise regarding President Donald Trump’s contentious tariffs.
Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by just 8 points, remaining slightly above water. S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures saw increases of 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively.
Stock futures saw a boost overnight after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that an agreement with Canada and Mexico was forthcoming. He also mentioned on Wednesday morning that Trump was contemplating various sectors of the economy for tax relief.
In a Tuesday night address to Congress, Trump stated that a “small disturbance” from his tariffs on the two countries, along with China, was acceptable. This news led to a rise in stocks such as automakers during Wednesday’s premarket, which had been severely affected by fears of increasing material costs.
However, these gains mostly dissipated on Wednesday morning following the release of the ADP’s private payroll report, which indicated significantly lower job growth in February than what economists surveyed by Dow Jones had expected. This report added to a growing list of indicators raising concerns that the U.S. economy may be slowing.
Trump’s tariffs and subsequent retaliatory announcements from China, Mexico, and Canada have unsettled markets this week. The tech-focused Nasdaq nearly entered correction territory on Tuesday, defined as an index dropping 10% from its most recent peak. Following Tuesday’s declines, the S&P 500 officially erased all gains since its close on Election Day in November.
“What we’ve stressed repeatedly is that Trump introduces uncertainty,” commented Michael Green, chief strategist at Simplify Asset Management. “We are at a juncture where a single tweet or a single piece of information can dramatically alter market perceptions.”