US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Futures Edge Lower On Mixed Fed Rate Signals

The Morning Bull – US Market Morning Update Friday, Aug, 21 2026

US stock futures are softer this morning, with E-mini S&P 500 contracts edging down about 0.1%, as investors weigh lower long term interest rates against the risk of higher Federal Reserve policy rates. The US Treasury plans to expand buybacks of longer dated bonds, and the 10 year yield is around 4.65%. That means borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards and companies may ease slightly. At the same time, Fed minutes point to the chance of further rate hikes if inflation does not cool. The big question for investors is whether rate sensitive sectors such as banks, real estate and utilities benefit from lower market yields or face pressure if official rates rise again.

With rates moving in different directions, focus on 79 resilient stocks with low risk scores that can handle more policy twists.

Top Movers

• Strategy (MSTR) surged 7.81%.
• Coinbase Global (COIN) jumped 7.58% after President Trump pushed the Clarity Act alongside crypto executives.
• Deere (DE) gained 6.94% after Deere reported higher quarterly sales and earnings per share.

Is Deere still a smart investment or just hype? Read our most popular narrative and get all the answers you need.

Top Losers

• Moderna (MRNA) fell 23.55% after recent cancer vaccine gains reversed following the prior session’s sharp rally.
• Walmart (WMT) declined 9.15% as mixed analyst actions followed Walmart’s second quarter earnings and buyback update.
• FTAI Aviation (FTAI) slipped 6.21% despite announcing a new US$2b warehouse financing facility for aircraft acquisitions.

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Look past the noise – uncover the top narrative that explains what truly matters for FTAI Aviation’s long-term success.

On The Radar

Fed policy and US growth signals are in focus as bond markets react to fresh policy moves and data.

• Fed policy tone: The latest Fed minutes highlight inflation risks and the bar for any further US rate hikes.
• US Treasury market liquidity: Expanded buybacks of long dated bonds reshape yield levels and the curve for rate sensitive sectors.
• US growth pulse: The Chicago Fed National Activity Index on Monday offers an updated read on July economic activity.
• Global demand signals: Recent Japan export and trade figures give extra context for US multinationals exposed to Asia.
• Energy backdrop: The third straight weekly rise in US crude inventories frames the earnings and cash flow picture for oil producers.

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How To Act On Today’s Market

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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