US equity futures are trading higher on Thursday, buoyed by a strong quarterly report from Microsoft and growing investor confidence in the return on artificial intelligence investments.
The tech giant’s results have helped stabilize sentiment after a period of volatility, reinforcing the view that the sector’s heavy capital expenditure cycle is beginning to yield tangible financial benefits.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures added 158 points in pre-market trading, while the S&P 500 also pointed to a green open.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures added 158 points in pre-market trading, while the S&P 500 also pointed to a green open.
This marks a continuation of the upward momentum seen Wednesday night, as markets digested the latest batch of Big Tech earnings alongside the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to hold interest rates steady.
The combination of corporate strength and a stable monetary policy backdrop has provided a floor for equity valuations.
Microsoft’s performance is particularly significant as it addresses lingering concerns about the profitability of AI infrastructure build-outs.