Futures associated with prominent indices have declined, subsequent to the most significant downturn for equities in over a month during the prior trading session. Applied Materials indicates that spending on semiconductor manufacturing equipment in China is expected to decline next year due to restrictions imposed by U.S. export regulations limiting access to this vital market. Recent reports indicate that U.S. jobless claims have decreased in the past week, while a prevailing risk-off sentiment has resulted in Bitcoin trading below $100,000.

Dow futures indicated a downward trajectory on Friday, implying a continuation of the recent decline in stock markets following equities’ significant downturn, marking their most challenging day since October 10. As of 02:49, the Dow futures contract experienced a decline of 69 points, translating to a decrease of 0.2%. Concurrently, S&P 500 futures saw a reduction of 17 points, or 0.3%, while Nasdaq 100 futures fell by 104 points, equivalent to a 0.4% drop. The primary indices experienced a decline on Thursday, as the positive impact from the conclusion of the U.S. government shutdown earlier this week diminished. A range of new concerns has surfaced, undermining investor sentiment, particularly apprehensions regarding the sustainability of elevated valuations in the technology sector. Companies associated with artificial intelligence, including Nvidia and Broadcom, experienced declines, with Oracle, a key player in the cloud sector, having lost over one-third of its value since a peak in September. “Stocks experienced a significant decline due to ongoing turmoil in the technology sector, as investors appear to be losing faith in a year-end rally,” analysts noted. Concerns also emerged regarding the potential decision of a divided Federal Reserve to implement another interest rate cut at its forthcoming monetary policy meeting in December. The outcome of the gathering has been further obscured by a lack of economic data amid the unprecedented federal government shutdown, with White House officials suggesting that the release of crucial delayed October jobs figures may be limited.

Applied Materials’ shares experienced a decline in after-hours trading following the company’s cautionary statement regarding a projected decrease in spending on chipmaking equipment in China next year, attributed to the implementation of more stringent U.S. export controls. Applied Materials reported that approximately $110 million worth of goods remained unshipped during its fiscal fourth quarter due to restrictions that were subsequently lifted after a direct meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last month. The remarks follow the company’s indication that its fiscal 2026 revenue is projected to experience a $600 million decline due to the broadened U.S. restrictions on the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to China. Applied Materials observed that an uptick in business investments in AI is expected to propel higher sales of its semiconductor equipment in the latter half of next year. Notwithstanding the decline in after-hours trading, the stock has surged approximately 36% year-to-date in 2025.

Last week, applications for U.S. jobless benefits showed a slight decline, as reported by media sources referencing state-level filings. However, this decrease was not considered substantial enough to strengthen the argument for a Federal Reserve rate cut in December. According to a Analytics, first-time claims for state unemployment benefits decreased to a seasonally-adjusted 227,543 in the week ending November 8. In the previous week, the figure was recorded at 228,899. The figure aligned closely with the projections put forth by analysts. Estimates claims at approximately 226,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics usually issues weekly filings; however, these have not been made available due to the data blackout resulting from the prolonged shutdown exceeding 40 days. The Federal Reserve reduced interest rates by 25 basis points during its last two meetings in October and September, aiming to bolster a decelerating U.S. labor market. However, due to the limited availability of data, there is an equal probability that the central bank may implement another reduction in the upcoming month, as per reports.

Bitcoin fell below the significant $100,000 threshold on Friday, mirroring a wider downturn in risk-sensitive markets as sentiment was adversely affected by uncertainties surrounding Federal Reserve interest rates and a renewed selloff in technology stocks. The world’s largest cryptocurrency appeared poised to decline for a third consecutive week, as previously dependable inflows from major investment funds, exchange-traded funds, and corporate treasuries into the digital asset indicated signs of diminishing. Bitcoin experienced a decline of 6.5%, reaching $96,968.6 by 03:34, following a dip to an intraday low of $96,866.1. Since early October, the token has experienced a decline exceeding $450 billion in value.

In October, Chinese factory output experienced growth that fell short of expectations, which may increase the pressure on Beijing to implement new strategies aimed at revitalizing a $19 trillion economy that has been adversely affected by trade tensions with the United States. Government data released on Friday indicated that industrial production experienced a year-on-year increase of 4.9% in October. The print fell short of the anticipated 5.5% and decreased from a 6.5% increase in the preceding month. Domestic demand has also exhibited a lackluster performance. Retail sales for the month increased by 2.9%, marginally surpassing expectations, bolstered by heightened consumer spending during the Golden Week holiday. However, it represented the most subdued expansion since August of the previous year. Chinese producers have been contending with a decline in consumer spending in recent years, as increased uncertainty surrounding the world’s second-largest economy has prompted both local businesses and consumers to reduce their expenditures. This, along with ongoing deflation in factory gate prices, has significantly impacted production, despite Beijing’s commitment to enhance growth initiatives.