Dow Futures are declining, indicating a continuation of a lackluster session as the trading week commences. The attention is primarily directed towards a series of significant U.S. economic indicators scheduled for release on Tuesday, notably a labor market report that experienced a postponement due to an extended federal government shutdown. In other developments, reports indicate that the Nasdaq exchange is seeking regulatory approval to extend trading hours at its stock venues, while homebuilder Lennar is anticipated to release its most recent earnings report.

Dow Futures declined, indicating a sense of investor caution in anticipation of the forthcoming release of a series of new economic data, which includes a postponed labor market report. As of 02:45, the Dow futures contract experienced a decline of 185 points, representing a decrease of 0.4%. Meanwhile, S&P 500 futures saw a reduction of 47 points, equivalent to a 0.7% drop, and Nasdaq 100 futures faced a downturn of 261 points, or 1.0%. The primary indices experienced a decline in the prior session, marking a pessimistic start to the final complete trading week of 2025. Despite efforts to initiate a rebound rally in stocks, the upward momentum faltered, as analysts pointed to ongoing worries regarding the durability of the artificial intelligence boom, particularly following disappointing recent quarterly results from AI-exposed companies Broadcom and Oracle. Market participants were evaluating reports indicating that the candidacy of White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett for the position of Federal Reserve Chair faced resistance from several high-ranking officials within President Donald Trump’s inner circle. Hassett has consistently been regarded as a supporter of Trump’s push for the Federal Reserve to promptly and decisively reduce interest rates, although sources has indicated that concerns have emerged regarding Hassett’s closeness to the president. At the close of markets on Monday, the benchmark S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite experienced their most significant daily declines in over three weeks.

Much of the focus now shifts to the wealth of economic data set to be released later today, which could offer insights into the condition of the American economy and potentially impact Federal Reserve policymaking in the upcoming months. The latest nonfarm payrolls report for November from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to capture significant attention, with expectations that U.S. payrolls increased by a modest 35,000, as per estimates from Reuters. The nonfarm payroll figures for October, which were withheld due to a data blackout associated with an unprecedented federal government shutdown, will be incorporated into the November report. In the interim, a new unemployment rate is set to be released, following the government’s 43-day shutdown which prevented the collection of data for October. Consequently, this marks the inaugural instance of a discontinuity in that crucial data series. Indicators of retail sales along with a preliminary assessment of business activity are scheduled for release. Later in the week, the BLS will release its consumer price index for November, amid uncertainty regarding which components of the October inflation report — which was canceled due to the shutdown — will be reflected in the upcoming figures. Last Wednesday, the Fed reduced interest rates by 25 basis points, indicating a commitment to support U.S. employment amid a period characterized by stable, though elevated, price pressures. However, it is important to note that Fed officials lacked access to the latest economic indicators, indicating that the results of this week’s data could influence the direction of the central bank’s forthcoming monetary policy.

Major exchange Nasdaq is pursuing approval from U.S. securities regulators to expand trading hours on its stock venues to 23 hours during the work week, as reported. In a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nasdaq sought approval to introduce an additional trading session, extending from 9 p.m. to 4 am. This would be in addition to the established pre-market, regular, and post-market hours that Nasdaq has maintained. The report arrives amid a notable increase in investor demand for U.S. equities in recent years, prompting regulators to evaluate proposals from exchanges aimed at extending trading hours beyond conventional schedules. The U.S. stock market represents approximately two-thirds of the total market capitalization of companies worldwide, with total foreign investments in U.S. equities reaching $17 trillion in the previous year, as reported by Nasdaq data referenced by Reuters. In response to the growing demand, Nasdaq is said to be considering a transition to continuous trading, operating five days a week. Earlier this year, Nasdaq President Tal Cohen indicated that discussions regarding the matter have commenced with regulators, with the anticipated implementation slated for the latter half of 2026.

On Tuesday, the earnings calendar will feature results from homebuilder Lennar Corporation, which will be released after the close of U.S. markets. In a communication to clients, analysts at indicated that sentiment is “cautious” regarding the stock, “as the housing industry’s downturn appears poised to continue for several more quarters due to subdued demand and margin pressures.” estimates indicate that Lennar is projected to report adjusted per-share income of $2.24 alongside revenue of $9.1 billion for its fiscal fourth quarter. Net new orders are projected to reach 20,288. The company reported a 46% decline in profit for the third quarter, hindered by persistent inflation that has adversely affected the affordability of the American housing market. In light of a renewed cycle of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, U.S. government bond yields have nonetheless stayed relatively high, exerting upward pressure on mortgage rates. Lennar has responded to these trends by implementing sales incentives such as mortgage rate buydowns and cost adjustments; however, these measures have consequently posed a risk to margin compression.

Oil prices declined as increased expectations for a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement enhanced the likelihood of sanctions being relaxed. Brent futures experienced a decline of 1.2%, settling at $59.82 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures decreased by 1.3%, reaching $55.95 per barrel. U.S. officials have indicated a degree of advancement in the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as Kyiv has proposed to forgo its ambitions of NATO membership, a significant issue for Russia, while Washington has extended security assurances to Ukraine. However, an agreement regarding territorial concessions, a matter of considerable sensitivity for Ukraine, continued to be out of reach. A peace agreement may lead to the removal of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil firms, further contributing to an already ample market supply.