US Market Outlook for Thursday, February 26, 2026
US stock index futures are slightly lower in early pre-market trading, reflecting a cautious reaction to NVIDIA Q4 earnings. While the company posted record revenue, guidance came in mixed amid ongoing scrutiny around AI spending sustainability. Traders are now shifting focus to weekly jobless claims data for fresh clues on labor market strength.
The broader market closed higher on Wednesday, led by tech rebounds, but futures suggest a more neutral-to-cautious tone today as investors digest earnings and monitor tariff and geopolitical developments.
Premarket Snapshot
Overall tone: Cautiously neutral with a slight downside bias.
AI optimism remains intact but slightly tempered post-Nvidia.
Futures (early ET):
- Dow: −0.1% to −0.4%, 49,400–49,470
- S&P 500: −0.04% to −0.4%, 6,900–6,956
- Nasdaq 100: −0.03% to −0.5%, 24,940–25,367
- VIX: Holding near 20 — volatility likely around economic data
ALSO READ: US Market Outlook for Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Key drivers:
- Nvidia earnings reaction
- Weekly jobless claims (8:30 AM ET)
- Ongoing tariff and geopolitical concerns
- Continued earnings from global financial and tech names Key Index Levels to Watch SPX (S&P 500)
- Last close: ~6,900+ (+0.81%)
- Support: 6,890–6,800
- Deeper support: 6,780–6,731
- Resistance: 6,900–6,950
- Break above 6,950 may open 7,000–7,043
QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF)
- Last close: ~613–616 (+1.45%)
- Support: 600–602
- Deeper support: 593–595 / 583
- Resistance: 608–615
- Sustained move above 615 opens 616–621
Top Trending Premarket Stocks
Nutanix (NTNX)
- Entry: 46–47
- Target: 50–55
- Stop: 44–45
Healthcare Triangle (HCTI)
- Entry: 9–9.50
- Target: 11–12+
- Stop: 8–8.50
NVIDIA (NVDA)
- Entry: 197–199
- Target: 202–205
- Stop: 194–196
Bottom Line
Futures are mixed with a slight downside tilt following Nvidia’s solid but not explosive earnings. Today’s jobless claims report could provide near-term direction: softer data may support equities, while stronger-than-expected numbers could revive rate concerns.
Expect choppy price action. Focus on relative strength in tech and healthcare, trail stops tightly, and stay nimble as earnings and macro headlines continue to drive volatility.