"Dow Futures Drop and Apple Stumbles as 2024 Begins with Economic Data in Focus"

U.S. stock futures, including the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq, dropped as trading began for 2024, following a strong performance in 2023. Apple shares fell after a downgrade by Barclays due to iPhone demand concerns. Economic reports, particularly the December jobs report, are anticipated to influence the Federal Reserve's policy decisions. Oil prices increased amid Middle East tensions, while Bitcoin surged, hitting its highest level since early 2022, on optimism over a potential SEC approval of a spot bitcoin ETF.