Stock futures rise slightly as investors eye AI trade, brace for more data and earnings: Live updates

Stock futures edged higher Sunday evening as traders weighed whether technology shares can extend their recovery heading into a week packed with catalysts. The two events likely to set the tone: key inflation data and earnings from AI-linked companies.

The slight gain in futures points to cautious positioning rather than conviction. Traders are not chasing the rebound ahead of the data, and that restraint is the main signal in Sunday's tape.

The AI trade sits at the center of the debate. Technology shares have been attempting to recover, and the earnings slate this week will test whether that bounce has fundamental support or is simply a relief move. Because AI earnings and inflation data land in the same week, a surprise in either could pull technology in a direction that overwhelms the other signal.

This is interpretation, not reported fact: with futures only slightly higher, the market appears to be leaving room for a sharp reaction in either direction once the numbers print. A hot inflation reading paired with soft AI results would be the least forgiving combination for tech, while the reverse could extend the recovery.