U.S. Stock Index Futures Rise Amid Fed Easing Talks and Key Jackson Hole Symposium

U.S. stock index futures edged higher on Thursday as optimism grew about the Federal Reserve's potential policy easing next month. Investors are focused on upcoming commentary from policymakers at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, where Fed Chair Powell is expected to clarify future monetary policy direction.

U.S. stock index futures edged higher on Thursday, buoyed by rising optimism that the Federal Reserve might initiate a policy easing cycle next month. Investors are particularly attentive to the impending comments from policymakers at this week's Jackson Hole Economic Symposium.

Expectations for a rate cut were bolstered by the latest minutes from the U.S. central bank's meeting, revealing that a vast majority of officials are leaning towards such action. Key figures like U.S. economist Elisabet Kopelman from SEB noted that weak economic data since July should further support these plans. Fed Chair Powell is anticipated to send a definitive signal on this during his speech at Jackson Hole.

The symposium, which officially kicks off later today, holds substantial significance for financial markets. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, there is nearly a 70% probability of at least a 25-basis-point rate cut in September. In the previous session, Wall Street's major indexes saw marginal gains, with the S&P 500 achieving its ninth session of gains out of ten, drawing ever closer to its all-time highs observed last July.

(With inputs from agencies.)