Finance

The tech-focused Nasdaq faced continued pressure as an exchange-traded fund tracking chip stocks pointed toward a sixth consecutive day of losses. Memory-chip manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix fell sharply due to technological strides from competitors, extending a global pullback in artificial intelligence and hardware equities.

U.S. stock index futures showcased a divided performance as the market weighed corporate earnings against sectoral rotations and fluctuating energy costs. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures edged slightly higher, Nasdaq futures declined and S&P 500 contracts remained largely flat. Investors are remaining defensive ahead of the highly anticipated Consumer Price Index inflation reading due later in the week.

Global energy markets saw a slight reprieve as oil prices moved lower, offering potential relief to persistent inflationary worries. West Texas Intermediate futures fell toward $92 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent crude slipped closer to $105 per barrel. The decline in energy commodities has provided support to certain equity sectors and helped stabilize broader bond yields.