Mixed Market Performance: Stock Futures Rise, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Post Losses, Wall Street Ends with Optimism

Stock futures are higher as investors await the release of the August payrolls report. Traders are hopeful that the report will indicate a slowdown in the economy, potentially leading the Federal Reserve to pause benchmark interest rate hikes. In other news, China's major banks have cut interest rates on yuan deposits, and South Korea and Japan both experienced contraction in their factory activity. Meanwhile, a strategist warns investors to remain cautious of a potential recession, and opportunities may arise in the municipal bond space. After-hours, database software maker MongoDB and Dell Technologies reported stronger-than-expected earnings, while Broadcom issued soft guidance. Stock futures opened little changed on Thursday night.