Stock market today: S&P 500, Nasdaq futures rise as Fed-favored PCE inflation data looms

Group 1: Market Overview - US stock futures are showing positive movement, with S&P 500 futures up 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures rising 0.2% as investors anticipate a delayed inflation reading that may influence the Federal Reserve's policy decisions [1] - The S&P 500 is approaching a new record high after three days of modest gains, while the Nasdaq is on track for its ninth positive close in ten sessions, reflecting renewed investor confidence in risk assets and expectations of Fed easing [2] Group 2: Economic Indicators - Focus is intensifying on labor and inflation data ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decision on December 10, particularly as there has been a month without the crucial jobs report [3] - The upcoming release of the PCE price index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET, along with delayed figures on personal spending and income, and consumer sentiment data from the University of Michigan [4] Group 3: Employment Data - A report indicated that US companies cut 71,000 jobs in November, marking the worst performance for that month since 2022, while new weekly jobless claims fell to their lowest level since September 2022, suggesting a gradual cooling of the labor market [5] Group 4: Company News - Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's studios and streaming unit for $72 billion, following a competitive bidding process, although Netflix shares fell nearly 3% in premarket trading while WBD shares increased [6] - Hewlett Packard Enterprise's stock dropped almost 9% after the company provided a quarterly sales outlook that fell short of high expectations driven by AI [6]