At press time, Mini Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) for March 2026 were trading at 49,768.00, down 41 points, or 0.08%. Dow Jones futures are trading cautiously today as investors assess yesterday’s moves in key stocks, including Nvidia, Tesla, and Walmart, while awaiting the release of the closely watched U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation report.
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) closed at $184.94, up 0.06%, Walmart Inc. (WMT) surged 3.00% to finish at $117.97, and Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) ended the session at $448.96, up 0.89%, at the 4:00 p.m. EST market close, yesterday.
The U.S. inflation data is expected to play a critical role in shaping expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate policy in the months ahead.
S&P 500 futures for March 2026 (ES=F) were trading at 7,009.50, down 7.00 points, or 0.10%, as of the latest update. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (^DJIAFTR) closed at 807.84, up 1.58 points, or 0.20%, at 3:18 a.m. Nasdaq 100 futures for March 2026 (NQ=F) were trading at 25,912.25, down 44.50 points, or 0.17%.
The overall momentum remains muted as Wall Street weighed strong equity valuations against persistent inflation risks. Market participants remain on edge amid heightened political scrutiny of the Fed and growing speculation over potential rate cuts in 2026.
NVIDIA, Tesla, and Walmart Drive Stock-Specific Action
NVIDIA (NVDA) remained a central focus for investors after unveiling new autonomous driving and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms such as Vera Rubin and the Alpamayo system at CES 2026, reinforcing its leadership across data centers, automotive computing, and AI infrastructure. NVIDIA’s developments continue to influence sentiment across the Nasdaq 100, where technology stocks remain dominant.
Tesla (TSLA) faced continued pressure as competition in autonomous driving and AI-enabled vehicle systems intensified. Investors are increasingly cautious as rivals, including Nvidia-backed solutions, and companies like BYD challenge Tesla’s technological edge. The stock’s recent volatility has contributed to uneven performance in the broader Nasdaq Composite.
Walmart (WMT) provided relative support to the market after confirming it will join the Nasdaq-100 effective January 20, 2026, a move expected to trigger index-related inflows. Walmart’s defensive characteristics and steady consumer demand have made it an attractive option amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
CPI Report, Fed Scrutiny, and Market Outlook
Attention now turns to the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. The economists forecast inflation of 2.7% year-over-year. The CPI reading is seen as a key input for the Federal Reserve, as investors assess the likelihood and timing of future interest rate cuts.
Sentiment has also been shaped by reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, adding political risk to the market narrative.
With JPMorgan Chase set to kick off the Q4 earnings season, markets are likely to remain volatile, with Dow Jones futures, S&P 500 futures, and Nasdaq futures responding closely to inflation data, earnings results, and developments surrounding the Federal Reserve.
