US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Futures Hold Flat As Trade Deficit Worries Return

The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Thursday, Oct, 8 2026 US Market stock futures are essentially flat, with E-mini S&P 500 contracts edging up only fractionally as investors weigh strong demand for imported goods against early signs of improving sentiment. The US trade deficit widened to a 17 month high of $105.6b in August, with imports hitting a record $420.8b. That points to solid consumer and business appetite, yet it can also add to price pressures through higher costs on foreign goods and energy. At the same time, an economic optimism index has climbed to 46.8, its best reading since March, suggesting households feel slightly less squeezed.