US stock futures rose slightly on Friday (July 18) after the S&P 500 closed at a record high in the previous session, with major indexes on pace to end the week in positive territory. Futures tied to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 each ticked up 0.

Stocks were taken on a wild ride Wednesday as a White House official indicated to CNBC that Trump was moving closer to firing Powell from his post as Fed Chair.

US Stock market today ended higher as the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all posted modest gains amid upbeat earnings reports and a surprise jump in retail sales. Investors are cautiously optimistic despite political tension as President Trump continues pressuring Fed Chair Jerome Powell over interest rate cuts.

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SP500 moved above the 6300 level as traders focused on the better-than-expected Retail Sales data. NASDAQ managed to climb above the 23,000 level. Dow Jones settled above the 44,500 level. SP500 tests new highs as traders focus on economic reports.

June inflation data released Tuesday represented an increase from May levels, despite the headline numbers matching expectations.

Bank First has struck a deal to buy fellow Wisconsin community bank holding company Centre 1 Bancorp for about $174.3 million in stock. Bank First said the deal, slated to close in the first quarter of 2026, will create a combined company with total assets of around $5.91 billion.

McDonald's ( MCD 0.45%) had the unfortunate distinction of posting the Dow Jones Industrial Average's worst stock performance in June. The shares dropped 6.9% during the month.

AMC Entertainment Holdings stock has been steadily rising, and one Wall Street analyst sees no end to the good times.Shares surged 9.4% to $3.48 on Thursday, its highest closing price since May 30, according to Dow Jones Market Data.