U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Amid Government Shutdown Uncertainty

U.S. stock futures crept upward in early Friday trading despite Thursday's retreat from record highs. Nasdaq 100 (NDX) and S&P 500 (SPX) futures gained 0.14% and 0.12% respectively, while Dow Jones (DJIA) futures rose 0.11%. This muted Optimism persists even as the federal government shutdown enters its tenth day with no resolution in sight.

Thursday's regular session saw broad declines, with the Dow dropping 0.52%—the steepest fall among major indices. The S&P 500 slipped 0.28% while the Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.08%. Levi's (LEVI) shares tumbled 7.7% post-market despite beating earnings expectations, highlighting growing market volatility.

With economic data scarce due to the shutdown, traders face limited catalysts. The stalemate between Congressional Republicans and Democrats continues to weigh on sentiment, though major indices remain poised for weekly gains except the Dow, which tracks toward a 0.9% loss.