Futures Point Higher as Nasdaq Leads Pre-Bell Gains
U.S. equity futures pointed to a higher Friday open on September 25, 2026, led by Nasdaq futures up 0.48%. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 5 basis points to 5.16%, pressuring rate-sensitive shares, while the dollar gained against the euro and the yen weakened. Asian markets were mixed and European indexes opened slightly higher.
Nasdaq futures led premarket gains, while S&P 500 and Dow contracts also pointed higher. The 10-year Treasury yield rose five basis points to 5.16%, a level that can weigh on rate-sensitive shares. The dollar strengthened against the euro, and the yen weakened. Asian benchmarks finished unevenly, while European gauges started modestly higher.
Among individual names, Akamai surged 21% premarket on an Anthropic partnership, Nike fell after a Bank of America downgrade, and Zscaler slipped on a revenue-chief change. Eaton agreed to acquire COL Group for €810 million, DraftKings faced Massachusetts scrutiny over AI targeting, and Tesla began Semi deliveries.
Higher Treasury yields and a firmer dollar could influence borrowing costs, mortgage rates, and equity valuations, affecting investors, retirees, and companies reliant on credit. Currency shifts may alter import prices and travel costs. Lower oil prices could ease fuel expenses, while gold’s rise may signal demand for defensive assets. Regulatory scrutiny of AI-driven gambling targeting may prompt closer attention to consumer protections and platform practices.