Stock futures point lower before the open: pre-market brief for October 29, 2026
U.S. equity benchmarks closed higher on Wednesday, led by small gains across the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones. Ahead of the Thursday open on October 29, 2026, index futures point to early morning pressure, particularly in technology contracts. Market breadth was nearly balanced during the previous session, with 243 gainers and 253 decliners.
| Ticker | Company | Price ($) | Change | Week to date | Dollar volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VRT | Vertiv | 242.94 | +16.48% | +25.02% | $4.7B |
| FLEX | Flex | 93.03 | +11.61% | +21.53% | $1.2B |
| ORCL | Oracle | 144.54 | +10.73% | +14.57% | $11.8B |
| LH | Labcorp | 360.25 | +8.78% | +9.52% | $647M |
| SNDK | Sandisk | 1,404.77 | +7.66% | +13.47% | $12.9B |
| GEHC | GE HealthCare | 75.82 | +6.62% | +6.12% | $726M |
| MU | Micron Technology | 983.23 | +5.86% | +12.04% | $30.0B |
| LITE | Lumentum | 913.95 | +5.52% | +20.87% | $5.1B |
| HONA | Honeywell Aerospace | 177.03 | +5.44% | +8.40% | $946M |
| LRCX | Lam Research | 253.82 | +5.39% | +10.31% | $2.7B |
| Ticker | Company | Price ($) | Change | Week to date | Dollar volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFIV | F5 | 365.53 | -20.43% | -19.74% | $1.3B |
| CSGP | CoStar | 27.54 | -13.96% | -18.81% | $505M |
| CHRW | C.H. Robinson | 127.60 | -11.14% | -9.61% | $611M |
| LII | Lennox International | 332.64 | -10.59% | -11.53% | $791M |
| BKR | Baker Hughes | 54.66 | -7.36% | -2.15% | $1.0B |
| ODFL | Old Dominion | 173.32 | -7.33% | -5.13% | $843M |
| FTNT | Fortinet | 174.08 | -5.90% | -3.28% | $1.9B |
| BSX | Boston Scientific | 42.43 | -5.84% | -7.14% | $3.0B |
| GRMN | Garmin | 272.51 | -5.82% | -7.23% | $543M |
| SW | Smurfit Westrock | 40.33 | -5.20% | -3.63% | $473M |
| Market | Last | Change | Week to date |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 7,743.98 | +0.28% | +1.58% |
| Nasdaq | 26,549.85 | +0.27% | +2.29% |
| Dow Jones | 52,475.10 | +0.19% | +0.50% |
| Russell 2000 | 2,830.51 | +0.41% | +1.97% |
| S&P 500 futures | 7,753.75 | -0.38% | - |
| Nasdaq 100 futures | 29,622.75 | -1.19% | - |
| Dow futures | 52,557.00 | -0.26% | - |
| VIX | 17.29 | +2.25% | - |
| 10-year yield (%) | 5.05 | +1.04% | - |
| US Dollar Index | 102.21 | +0.02% | - |
| Gold ($/oz) | 4,040.20 | -0.28% | - |
| WTI crude ($) | 101.86 | -0.90% | - |
| Bitcoin ($) | 80,038.25 | -1.51% | - |
How did major indices close on Wednesday?
The S&P 500 rose +0.28% to close at 7,743.98, while the Nasdaq advanced +0.27% to 26,549.85. The Dow Jones edged up +0.19% to 52,475.10, and the Russell 2000 led the major benchmarks with a gain of +0.41% to end at 2,830.51.
Wednesday's regular trading session saw modest advances across the board, extending weekly gains for all four primary tracking indices. On a week-to-date basis, the Nasdaq is up +2.29%, the Russell 2000 is higher by +1.97%, and the S&P 500 has climbed +1.58%.
Overall market breadth within the S&P 500 was slightly negative despite the index-level gains, with 243 stocks advancing, 253 declining, and 7 remaining unchanged.
What are U.S. index futures signaling before the bell?
U.S. stock futures are trading lower early Thursday morning, pointing to a weaker cash open. Nasdaq 100 futures are leading the decline with a drop of -1.19% to 29,622.75, while S&P 500 futures fell -0.38% to 7,753.75.
Dow futures are also down -0.26% at 52,557.00. The broader macro backdrop shows the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) rising +2.25% to 17.29, reflecting modest caution in pre-market activity.
In fixed income and commodities, the 10-year Treasury yield closed its prior session at 5.045%, gaining +1.04%. Gold is down -0.28% at $4,040.20 per ounce, WTI crude oil fell -0.90% to $101.86 per barrel, and Bitcoin slid -1.51% to $80,038.25.
Which S&P 500 stocks moved the most?
Vertiv led the gainers on Wednesday, jumping +16.48% to 242.94 on $4.7B in volume, followed by Flex with an +11.61% gain. On the downside, F5 plunged -20.43% to 365.53, while CoStar retreated -13.96% to 27.54.
Oracle climbed +10.73% to 144.54 on heavy volume of $11.8B, while Labcorp rose +8.78% to 360.25 and Sandisk advanced +7.66% to 1,404.77 on $12.9B in volume. Micron Technology posted a +5.86% gain, recording $30.0B in dollar volume.
Among decliners, C.H. Robinson fell -11.14% to 127.60, Lennox International dropped -10.59% to 332.64, and Baker Hughes slid -7.36% to 54.66. Specific catalysts for individual stock moves were not provided in the data; investors can consult corporate press releases and SEC filings for company disclosures.
Frequently asked questions
Has the U.S. stock market opened for trading today?
No, the market is currently closed. This report covers the Wednesday closing numbers and Thursday pre-market futures indicators prior to the opening bell.
Why did individual equities like Vertiv or F5 experience large price swings?
The underlying reasons for these single-stock moves are not included in our data. Readers may consult individual company press releases and SEC filings for regulatory and operational updates.
Where does the 10-year Treasury yield stand?
The 10-year Treasury yield registered at 5.045% as of the October 28 close, reflecting a day-over-day increase of +1.04%.
Bottom line
Ahead of the Thursday opening bell, U.S. futures point toward lower market levels after modest gains during Wednesday's regular session. Market participants continue to watch macro inputs, including yields holding above 5.045% and energy prices near $101.86. Please note that past market performance does not guarantee future results. Live tables are updated during the session on our stock market page.