Investors are starting their trading week with U.S. stock futures slightly rising after a downturn last week. The markets will be closed on Thursday to honor former President Jimmy Carter, while upcoming December jobs data and earnings reports from Constellation Brands, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Delta Air Lines are anticipated to influence stock trends. Semiconductor stocks are also in focus, as shares rose following Foxconn’s strong quarterly results, indicating ongoing enthusiasm for AI-related technologies.
Meanwhile, a winter storm is affecting much of the U.S., leading to school closures and flight cancellations due to snow and ice conditions.
In social policy news, President Joe Biden has signed a bipartisan bill enhancing Social Security benefits for millions of Americans, particularly those receiving pension income, enabling more than 2.5 million beneficiaries to receive a lump sum compensation for a benefits shortfall. Additionally, Biden has announced a ban on offshore oil and gas drilling along most of the U.S. coastline, protecting approximately 625 million acres of ocean, marking a significant environmental policy shift before Donald Trump potentially returns to office.
