A trader works on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange on March 5, 2024. The trading floor, a bustling hub of activity, reflects the ongoing volatility in the market.

Stock futures rose on Tuesday evening following a fourth-straight day of losses for the S&P 500. Investors are also eagerly awaiting earnings from market bellwether Nvidia. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 85 points, or about 0.2%. Nasdaq-100 futures added 0.4%, while S&P 500 futures climbed 0.3%.

Stocks are coming off a weak session. The S&P 500 tumbled 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite lost nearly 1.4%. Both indexes logged their fourth consecutive losing day. The 30-stock Dow was the outlier, with a roughly 0.4% advance.

A weaker-than-expected consumer confidence reading from the Conference Board weighed on stocks Tuesday. A raft of recent reports, including disappointing retail sales numbers and a weak consumer sentiment reading, have spurred traders’ worries around the economy over the past week—and the major averages have suffered.

Nvidia’s fourth-quarter earnings, due after the closing bell Wednesday, could be the next catalyst for the market. The report arrives at a pivotal time for Nvidia: The emergence of DeepSeek has raised questions about the sustainability of the once-hot artificial intelligence trade. The chip giant and other momentum plays are also showing signs of fizzling, with Nvidia down more than 5% in 2025.

“I think as the earnings report comes out tomorrow, my expectation is it’s going to be a lot like September,” NYU Stern School of Business finance professor Aswath Damodaran said Tuesday on CNBC’s Closing Bell. “A replay of [the] September [quarter] where they will beat analyst expectations, but the market is going to be disappointed because the market seems to have set expectations higher than what analysts are seeing for the company,” he added.

Other earnings reports out Wednesday include Lowe’s, TJX, and Salesforce. Economic data due on Wednesday include new home sales and building permits. The main event for investors will be the release of the personal consumption expenditures price index on Friday. The PCE is the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge.

Investors are closely monitoring the PCE data as it provides critical insights into inflation trends. The Federal Reserve uses this data to guide its monetary policy decisions, which can significantly impact the stock market and broader economy. A higher-than-expected PCE reading could signal further rate hikes, potentially dampening market sentiment.

Meanwhile, the recent volatility in the market has raised concerns about the broader economic outlook. Economists and analysts are divided on whether the current slowdown is a temporary blip or a sign of deeper economic issues. Some experts point to strong job growth and consumer spending as indicators of a resilient economy, while others caution about the potential for a recession.

In the tech sector, the emergence of DeepSeek has added another layer of uncertainty. DeepSeek, a new player in the AI market, has sparked concerns about the sustainability of current AI trends. Nvidia, a leader in AI hardware, has seen its stock price fluctuate as investors grapple with the implications of DeepSeek’s entry into the market.

The upcoming earnings reports from Nvidia and other major companies will provide valuable insights into the health of various sectors. Investors will be looking for signs of resilience in the face of economic headwinds and technological disruptions. The market’s reaction to these reports could set the tone for the coming months.

In addition to earnings reports, investors are also keeping an eye on geopolitical developments. Tensions in various regions, including the Middle East and Asia, could have ripple effects on global markets. Any escalation in conflicts could lead to increased volatility and uncertainty.

Despite the challenges, many analysts remain optimistic about the long-term prospects of the U.S. economy. The country’s robust infrastructure, innovative spirit, and strong consumer base continue to drive growth. However, navigating the current economic landscape requires vigilance and strategic planning.

As the market awaits key economic data and earnings reports, investors are advised to stay informed and adaptable. Diversifying portfolios and maintaining a long-term perspective can help mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.