US Stock Market Today S&P 500 Futures Edge Lower On Mixed Growth Signals

The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Thursday, Jan, 8 2026

US stock futures are slightly softer this morning, with key contracts on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 pointing mildly lower as investors weigh strong services activity against signs of a cooler job market. The ISM Services PMI came in at 54.4 for December 2025, showing services companies, from health care to restaurants, are expanding at their fastest pace since October 2024, which tends to support company revenues and profits. At the same time, job openings slipped to a 14 month low of 7.146 million and private payrolls added just 41,000 jobs, hinting that hiring is slowing. With the 10 year Treasury yield around 4.14%, the key issue for investors is whether the Federal Reserve can still justify cutting interest rates later in 2026, a debate that keeps rate sensitive sectors such as real estate, banks and small cap stocks firmly in focus.

With rate sensitive sectors back in focus, scan undervalued stocks based on cash flows now before the next move.

Top Movers

• Intel (INTC) jumped 6.47% after fresh CES announcements on Core Ultra Series 3 and handheld gaming.
• Credo Technology Group Holding (CRDO) gained 6.05% as shares extended a strong recent run in high speed connectivity.
• Bloom Energy (BE) climbed 4.80% alongside renewed interest in alternative energy names.

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Top Losers

• AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) fell 12.06% after Scotiabank cut its rating to Underperform, citing valuation concerns.
• First Solar (FSLR) declined 10.29% following a downgrade to Hold at Jefferies, despite a higher Deutsche Bank target.
• Western Digital (WDC) declined 8.89%.

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On The Radar

With fresh services strength but softer hiring, macro releases around growth, jobs and housing remain the key focus.

• US Services Momentum. ISM Services PMI at 54.4 on Thursday will help you gauge breadth of US demand and pricing power.
• US Labor Tightness. Job openings at 7.146m and ADP payrolls on Thursday frame how quickly labor demand is cooling.
• US Housing Pulse. Mortgage rate and application trends on Thursday highlight how rate moves are affecting purchase versus refinance activity.
• US Manufacturing Watch. Factory orders and durable goods readings on Thursday offer a check on goods demand relative to stronger services.
• Energy and Inflation. Weekly US crude, gasoline and distillate inventory data on Thursday feed into your views on input costs and margins.

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Don't Wait For The Winners, Find Them

Look past the usual headlines and keep a tight focus on dividend stocks with yields > 3%. While income opportunities are still being repriced, our breakdown highlights companies that pair steady payouts with currently attractive yields.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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