DOW Futures experience a modest increase as the trading week approaches its conclusion. Investors are poised to analyze a fresh survey of consumer sentiment, even as the release of official economic data remains suspended amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Shares of data center services firm Applied Digital experienced a surge in after-hours trading following a quarterly revenue report that exceeded estimates. In contrast, denim jeans label Levi Strauss saw a decline, as analysts indicated that its returns, although solid, may not have met elevated expectations. Elsewhere, gold slides back below $4,000 an ounce, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas diminishes the metal’s safe-haven appeal.

DOW Futures indicated an upward trajectory on Friday, implying a favorable conclusion to the trading week following the prior session’s pressure on equities. By 02:42, the Dow futures contract had increased by 68 points, or 0.2%, S&P futures had advanced by 11 points, or 0.2%, and Nasdaq 100 futures had risen by 54 points, or 0.2%. The primary indices experienced a decline on Thursday, as investors assessed the ramifications of a persistent U.S. government while maintaining a robust interest in artificial intelligence advancements. Market observers have started to express concerns regarding the cyclical dynamics of recent AI dealmaking. However, some analysts contend that investors’ apprehension about missing out on additional advancements in the ongoing boom has sustained the rally. Earnings from packaged food and beverage producer PepsiCo and airline carrier Delta Air Lines attracted attention, serving as a precursor to the forthcoming third-quarter reporting season. Equities in both firms experienced an uptick.

The economic calendar has experienced a notable lull following the federal government shutdown, which postponed the dissemination of critical official indicators. Should lawmakers in Washington be unable to resolve the ongoing standoff, the release of important U.S. inflation data scheduled for next week may face delays. The absence of updated indicators regarding prices and employment growth has notably complicated the Federal Reserve’s strategy for future interest rate decisions. The central bank reduced rates by 25 basis points last month and indicated the possibility of additional reductions this year; however, in the absence of current data, the timing and extent of these actions remain unclear. Policymakers have opted for secondary or alternative sources of information. A forthcoming indicator, specifically a survey measuring consumer sentiment and inflation expectations conducted by the University of Michigan, is set to be released on Friday.

Applied Digital’s shares experienced a notable increase in after-hours trading, following the announcement of fiscal first-quarter revenue that exceeded expectations. The demand for data centers has surged dramatically as an increasing number of businesses strive to acquire the computing power essential for enhancing their AI capabilities. In August, Applied Digital secured a new lease agreement with the AI-focused group CoreWeave, and analysts have indicated that the company could finalize further agreements prior to the conclusion of 2025. For the quarter ending August 31, revenue increased by 84% to $64.2 million, exceeding market projections of $50 million. Applied Digital reported a per-share loss of $0.03, which was less than expected.

Levi Strauss & Co has increased its full-year revenue and profit outlook following a robust quarterly performance, driven by strong demand for its denim products and significant growth in direct-to-consumer sales. The jeans manufacturer disclosed third-quarter earnings of $0.34 per share, surpassing analysts’ average projection of $0.30 each. Revenue increased to $1.54 billion, up from $1.50 billion in the previous year, surpassing expectations. Levi has revised its expectations for fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings to a range of $1.27 to $1.32 per share, an increase from its previous forecast of $1.25 to $1.30. The forecast for reported net revenue growth has been revised upward to approximately 3%, an increase from the previous range of 1% to 2%. Additionally, organic growth expectations have been adjusted to around 6%, up from the earlier estimate of 4.5% to 5.5%. However, shares experienced a decline of more than 6% during after-hours trading. Analysts noted that although the firm “continues to execute very well in a tough macro environment,” expectations were “fairly high” leading up to the results, “which might explain some of the knee-jerk disappointment.”

Gold and other precious metal prices have declined from their recent highs, as a growing risk appetite, following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, has led to some profit-taking activities. The agreement, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump, received approval from Israel’s government on Friday, potentially paving the way for a cessation of the two-year conflict in Gaza. Reducing geopolitical tensions may lessen some of the appeal of gold, which is conventionally regarded as a safe haven in periods of economic or political instability. Bullion prices experienced significant overnight declines, as the strength of the dollar exerted pressure on broader metal prices. Recent uncertainties regarding the path of U.S. interest rates, along with a decline in the Japanese yen and the euro, have bolstered the strength of the greenback this week. Spot gold decreased by 0.3% to $3,965.93 per ounce, whereas gold futures for December increased by 0.2% to $3,978.52 per ounce as of 03:44. Spot prices surpassed $4,000 per ounce for the first time in history this week.