US stock futures climb as traders await Fed and megacap earnings

· Economy · United States

US equity-index futures advanced and crude oil retreated after a volatile week, with investors bracing for megacap earnings that will test the artificial intelligence trade and key central bank decisions. The Federal Reserve's policy decision is due on Wednesday, with policymakers widely expected to pause after September's first rate increase since 2023, even as inflation stays above target. Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon are among some 160 S&P 500 companies due to report this week. Oil edged lower as the US and Iran stuck to familiar rhetoric in their conflict, and a technical gauge pointed to overbought conditions, with prices down almost $1 in early trading.

Why it matters：Megacap results and the Fed's pause will set the tone for global markets and test whether the AI-driven rally can hold.

Key points

  • The Fed is expected to pause after September's first rate rise since 2023.
  • About 160 S&P 500 companies report this week, including Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon.
  • Oil fell almost $1 in early trading as US-Iran rhetoric stayed familiar.

Sources (original reporting)

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