Stock Futures Tumble Ahead of February Jobs Data

Marvell Technology, Gap, Oracle in focus as major indices decline

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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U.S. stock futures fell on Friday following Thursday's negative close, with the major benchmark indices lower amid the ongoing Iran-US conflict. Forecasters expect the upcoming February employment report to show a payroll increase of around 55,000, down from 130,000 in January. The 10-year Treasury yield was at 4.17% and the two-year at 3.61%, with markets pricing in a 97.3% chance of the Fed holding rates steady in March.

Why it matters

The February jobs data is a key economic indicator that will provide insight into the strength of the U.S. labor market and potentially influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions. Investors are closely watching for any signs of economic slowdown or volatility in the markets.

The details

Futures of the major benchmark indices, including the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100, were all lower in early trading on Friday. Costco Wholesale reported better-than-expected Q2 results, but its stock fell 0.23% premarket. Other stocks in focus include Marvell Technology, Gap, and Oracle, which all have varying price trends according to Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings.

  • The February U.S. employment report, including the unemployment rate and hourly wages data, will be released by 8:30 a.m. ET.
  • San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly will speak at 10:15 a.m. ET.
  • Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack will deliver remarks at 1:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Costco Wholesale Corp.

A membership warehouse club that provides a wide selection of merchandise and offers low prices on branded and private-label products.

Marvell Technology

A semiconductor company that designs, develops, and markets analog, mixed-signal, digital signal processing, and embedded and standalone integrated circuits.

Gap Inc.

An American clothing and accessories retailer that offers apparel, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, and Intermix brands.

Oracle

A multinational computer technology corporation that specializes in developing and marketing computer hardware systems and enterprise software products.

Ford Motor Co.

An American multinational automaker that designs, manufactures, markets, and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.

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What they’re saying

“We expect the U.S. economy to grow 2.9%, up from the initial 2.4% projection.”

— Scott Wren, Senior Global Market Strategist (Benzinga)

“Look through the headlines, and stick to a well thought out plan.”

— Scott Wren, Senior Global Market Strategist (Benzinga)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This report highlights the ongoing volatility in the stock market, with investors closely watching economic data and geopolitical developments that could impact the trajectory of the U.S. economy and corporate earnings in the coming year.