Stock futures rise as Fed hints at possible rate hike in 2026; Kospi hits over 9,000 for the first time: Live updates

S&P 500 futures climbed 0.83% and Nasdaq 100 futures jumped 1.32% in early Thursday trading after the Federal Reserve signaled a potential rate hike in 2026. The bounce follows Wednesday's volatile session, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average reversed from a fresh intraday all-time high to close down more than 500 points.

The Fed's updated dot plot now shows policymakers penciling in at least one rate increase for 2026, marking a hawkish shift in forward guidance. This represents a reversal from the prior projection path and suggests the central bank sees inflation risks persisting longer than previously expected.

Overnight, South Korea's Kospi crossed 9,000 for the first time, adding to a broader risk-on tone in Asian equities that carried into U.S. pre-market trading. The Nasdaq 100's 1.32% futures gain outpaced the S&P 500's 0.83% advance, indicating growth stocks led the rebound after Wednesday's sharp selloff.