Wall Street Set To Open In Positive Territory

Market Overview - Trading may be subdued on the first trading day of 2026, with early signs from U.S. Futures Index suggesting a positive opening for Wall Street [1] - Asian shares finished lower, while European shares are mostly trading up [1] - The dollar had a weak start to 2026, oil prices increased, and gold jumped nearly 1.5 percent [1] U.S. Futures and Major Averages - As of 7.30 am ET, Dow futures were up by 196.00 points, S&P 500 futures increased by 40.00 points, and Nasdaq 100 futures rose by 245.75 points [2] - On the previous trading day, major U.S. averages ended lower: Dow fell by 303.77 points (0.6 percent), Nasdaq decreased by 177.09 points (0.8 percent), and S&P 500 declined by 50.74 points (0.7 percent) [2] Economic Indicators - The PMI Manufacturing Final for December is expected to be released at 9.45 am ET, with a consensus of 51.8 [3] - Construction Spending for November is anticipated at 10.00 am ET, with a consensus of 0.0 percent, compared to an increase of 0.2 percent in October [3] - The Fed Balance Sheet for the week will be published at 4.30 pm ET, with the previous level at $6.581 trillion [3] Asian Market Performance - Asian stocks surged, although trading volumes were thin due to holidays in Japan, China, and New Zealand [4] - Hong Kong's Hang Seng index increased by 2.76 percent to 26,338.47, while the Kospi average climbed by 2.27 percent to 4,309.63 [4] - The Australian benchmark S&P/ASX 200 rose by 0.15 percent to 8,727.80, and the broader All Ordinaries index settled 0.20 percent higher at 9,036.60 [4] European Market Performance - European shares are trading mostly higher, with the CAC 40 Index of France up by 26.44 points (0.32 percent) [5] - The German DAX increased by 53.45 points (0.22 percent), and the U.K. FTSE 100 Index gained 42.62 points (0.43 percent) [5] - The Swiss Market Index added 26.89 points (0.20 percent), while the Euro Stoxx 50 Index rose by 34.15 points (0.59 percent) [5]