Stock Market Update: Nasdaq, Dow, and S&P 500 Futures Climb Before Powell's Address at Jackson Hole—EpicQuest, Zoom, and Azitra Stocks Highlighted

U.S. Stock Futures Rise: Following declines on Thursday, U.S. stock futures increased, with major indices showing positive movement ahead of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium.

Economic Indicators: Initial jobless claims rose to 235,000, while existing home sales increased by 2% in July. The S&P Global services PMI fell to 55.4, and manufacturing PMI rose to 53.3.

Market Reactions: Most sectors on the S&P 500 closed negatively, with notable losses in consumer discretionary and utilities. Walmart's shares dropped 4.5% after mixed quarterly results, while energy stocks performed better.

Fed's Future Actions: Analysts anticipate Powell's speech may clarify the Fed's stance on inflation and interest rates, with markets pricing a high likelihood of rate cuts in September. Wells Fargo suggests potential adjustments in investment strategies amid rising inflation and slowing growth.