U.S. Stock Futures Dip Amid September Rally and Government Shutdown Concerns

U.S. stock futures edged lower early Tuesday as traders braced for a strong finish to September, a historically sluggish month that has defied expectations this year. The Nasdaq 100 (NDX), S&P 500 (SPX), and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures slipped 0.16%, 0.18%, and 0.23%, respectively, by 4:48 a.m. EST. Investor sentiment remained cautious amid lingering fears of a potential U.S. government shutdown.

Monday's session saw a rebound in technology stocks, particularly AI-linked companies, propelling the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow Jones up 0.48%, 0.26%, and 0.15%. September's rally has pushed major indexes NEAR record highs, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining 5.3%, the S&P 500 advancing 3.1%, and the Dow rising 1.7% for the month.

Market participants now await September's consumer confidence report for clues on household sentiment as inflation concerns persist. The data could sway momentum ahead of quarter-end portfolio rebalancing.