What to Watch Monday: Futures Flat as Markets Await Fed Decision

US stock index futures are little changed since reopening Sunday evening, with the S&P 500 and Dow futures slightly higher and Nasdaq 100 futures marginally lower against Friday's close. The main focus for Monday and the days ahead is this week's Federal Reserve interest-rate decision, which traders are positioning around even though Monday's own calendar is light.

Over the weekend

Barrons reported that traders expect the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady when it meets this week. Market Watch reported that what investors most want from Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh is clear communication of the central bank's strategy, arguing that vague answers are no longer sufficient for markets. Separately, the WSJ reported that Audi, the German luxury automaker, will build its first US factory in Georgia, a move tied to tariff pressure and stalled sales elsewhere. Traders on X were also discussing a heavier week ahead featuring the Fed decision, major technology earnings, and upcoming GDP and inflation data, with conversation centered on recent equity pressure that posts linked to elevated bond yields and geopolitical tensions, though these remain discussion points rather than confirmed facts.

On Monday's calendar

Monday's US economic calendar is light. The Chicago Fed National Activity Index for September will be released at 8:30 AM ET, with a consensus forecast of -0.1 compared with a prior reading of -0.04. At 10:30 AM ET, the Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index for October will be released, with a consensus forecast of 7 against a prior reading of 9.8.

Among S&P 500 companies, Verizon will report results before Monday's open, with an earnings-per-share estimate of $1.27.