US Stock Futures Rise Before Big Tech Earnings Week

United States stock futures rose early on Monday, October 26, 2026, ahead of a week of earnings reports from large technology companies and a decision on interest rates from the Federal Reserve. US stock futures pointed to a higher open after a mixed week for the main indexes. Futures on the Nasdaq 100 were up 0.25 percent, futures on the S and P 500 were up 0.31 percent, and futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average were up 0.51 percent as of 5:31 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, according to TipRanks. Investors watching US stock futures are watching two events this week. The first is earnings from Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon, along with other large companies. The second is the Federal Reserve interest rate decision on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. According to CNBC, Fed funds futures trading indicated a 90 percent probability that policymakers will hold interest rates at the current target range of 3.75 percent to 4 percent. A hold would leave borrowing costs unchanged for now. Traders will also read the statement and comments from Fed officials for signs about later decisions.

What US stock futures showed on Monday morning

US stock futures are contracts that let traders bet on where an index will open. They trade before the main market opens and often move on overnight news. On Monday, the gains in US stock futures followed a lower close on Friday. Major indexes closed lower on Friday amid rising oil prices and concerns about debt funded spending on artificial intelligence. For the full week, the S and P 500 fell 0.47 percent and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.71 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.41 percent. The split showed that not all parts of the market moved in the same direction.

Oil prices trended lower early on Monday, even as attacks on Saudi Arabia raised concerns about supply. Brent crude futures, the international benchmark, were down 2.04 percent at $114.34 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 2.44 percent to $100.75 per barrel. The decline followed a sharp rise on Friday amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Strikes by Yemen Houthis continued over the weekend, with attacks on Saudi Arabia main airport in Riyadh and oil facilities on Saturday.

Why US stock futures matter ahead of Big Tech earnings

US stock futures matter ahead of Big Tech earnings because the largest technology companies carry heavy weight in the main indexes. This week, companies scheduled to report September quarter earnings include Boeing, SoFi Technologies, PayPal, Robinhood, Microsoft, Alphabet, Visa, Amazon, Intel, Mastercard, Starbucks, Exxon Mobil and Chevron. That list spans technology, finance, retail, energy and transport. Results from the technology names will get the most attention, because investors have tied much of the recent market rise to spending on artificial intelligence.

The concern about debt funded AI spending was part of Friday fall. Companies are borrowing to build data centers and buy chips. Investors want to see whether that spending brings revenue and profit, or whether it only adds debt. Earnings calls this week will give executives a chance to explain their spending plans. They will also give analysts a chance to ask about orders, margins and cash flow. If results are strong, US stock futures gains could hold into the open. If results disappoint, the early gains could fade quickly.

What the Federal Reserve decision means for US stock futures

The Federal Reserve decision on Wednesday is the second major event of the week. Interest rates affect borrowing costs for households and companies. They also affect how investors value future profits. When rates are expected to stay steady, markets often focus on earnings instead. The 90 percent probability of a hold, cited from Fed funds futures, suggests traders see little chance of a change this week. That does not mean the decision is certain, and the Fed statement could still move markets if its language changes.

For the rest of the week, traders will watch oil prices alongside earnings and rates. Lower oil prices on Monday eased some of that pressure, at least for a morning. The weekend attacks in Saudi Arabia kept supply risk in view, so oil could rise again if tensions worsen. US stock futures gave an early signal on Monday, but the earnings reports and the Fed decision will provide the fuller picture for investors by the end of the week.