Nasdaq Futures Fall by 0.63%, S&P 500 Futures Down by 0.4%

Nasdaq futures declined 0.63% on January 8, 2026, as investors processed mixed economic data and geopolitical developments according to market reports. S&P 500 futures also dropped by 0.4%, reflecting market uncertainty. The prior day had seen a rebound in futures amid reports of U.S. military action in Venezuela and renewed interest in the oil sector.

The latest data on the services sector and labor market has added to investor caution according to Barron's coverage. The Institute for Supply Management's December services survey showed a reading of 54.4, indicating expansion, but only nine of 18 industries reported increased activity. This breadth of weakness has left some analysts questioning the strength of the core U.S. economy . According to market analysis.

At the same time, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) reported that November job openings stood at 7.1 million. Analysts note that the labor market remains in a mixed state, with the December nonfarm payrolls report due to provide clarity.

What Drives the Market Moves?

The mixed readings from key economic indicators have influenced investor sentiment. The ISM survey, while showing expansion, did not provide the broad-based optimism seen earlier in the year. Analysts such as Peter Boockvar of One Point BFG Wealth Partners highlight that the headline numbers mask weaker industry-level growth.

Separate geopolitical developments have also influenced market behavior. Reports of U.S. military actions in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro led to a short-term rebound in futures and a rally in U.S. oil stocks. However, this bounce did not last through the full trading session.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

The upcoming release of the December nonfarm payrolls report is expected to be a key focus for investors . Analysts anticipate the addition of 57,000 jobs, a decline from November's figure. This data is seen as critical for assessing the state of the labor market and the Federal Reserve's future monetary policy.

Institutional investors are also monitoring the impact of new crypto-related products. Morgan Stanley has filed with the SEC to launch spot Ethereum and Bitcoin ETFs, signaling growing institutional interest in crypto assets. This move aligns with broader trends in the wealth management sector, where banks are increasingly offering crypto exposure through regulated vehicles.

The mixed economic data and geopolitical volatility continue to test the resilience of equity markets. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have shown gains in the past year, the current environment reflects ongoing uncertainty. Investors are likely to remain cautious until clearer signals emerge from the December jobs report and potential developments in global markets.

Market participants are also watching how the U.S. military situation in Venezuela and the broader geopolitical landscape develop. Analysts at ING have noted that the uncertainty surrounding these developments is boosting the appeal of the dollar as a safe-haven asset. However, the long-term implications for the global economy remain unclear.