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Stock futures are flat as major averages set for positive week after two-day rebound

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Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

Bloomberg – Getty Images Stock futures traded flat on Thursday night after two days of gains that pushed major averages to positive territory.| Bloomberg | Getty Images

Stock futures were flat in overnight trading on Thursday after two straight days of gains pushed major averages into positive territory for the week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were unchanged. S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures were also flat.

After the Federal Reserve indicated that it would not be easing its ultra-easy money policy, the market rallied for two days. Investors bet also that Evergrande, China’s giant real estate company, wouldn’t cause a ripple effect in global markets.

Blue-chip Dow gained 500 points Thursday, its highest daily performance since July 20, for its most recent day. The S&P 500 gained 1.2%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 1%.

Major averages are now on track to rebound from the sharp losses of earlier in the week. Dow Jones is currently up 0.5% for the week, and on pace to snap a 3-week losing streak. The S&P 500 have gained 0.4% this week, and the Nasdaq is up about 0.1%.

As it remains unclear whether Evergrande could pay $83 million of interest on a U.S. Dollar-denominated bond due this Thursday, some expect Evergrande may default on bond payment payments. Bloomberg News reports that Evergrande was instructed by government regulators to not default on a dollar-denominated bond in the near future. A 30-day grace period could be offered to bondholders. Investors seem to be hopeful that Wall Street’s impact will be limited, regardless of how it ends.

Edward Moya from Oanda said that Evergrande’s failure would leave China with a limited exposure. The government is determined to keep it contained. If China’s success is a positive sign, the global risk appetite will not be as severe.

The Fed stated Wednesday that a reduction in its monthly bond-buying program was “possible soon,” however it didn’t give any specific timeframe.

Anu Gaggar of Commonwealth Financial Network said, “While QE is far from over and near zero rates are still in place, the tide appears to be turning.” Although the market has embraced bad news and praised good news so far, a market that reacts to the signs that an economy is capable of standing on its own, without the need for monetary policy, is refreshing.

Nike shares fell 2.5% in extended trading Thursday after the sneaker giant reported quarterly revenue that missed analysts’ expectations due to softening demand in North America.

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