Futures are lower after the holiday break, with Nasdaq 100 futures off about 0.7% as investors digest last week’s worst stretch since November. The AI transition remains the central driver, with traders watching earnings commentary and capital expenditures discipline for clarity.

Software stocks have reset sharply, with Microsoft (MSFT), Oracle (ORCL), and Palantir (PLTR) pulling back from elevated multiples. Investors are recalibrating around return on AI spend and which companies can embed AI into core revenue streams rather than chase hype.

Banking executives argue that AI will enhance productivity rather than replace entire sectors, but questions remain about the speed of disruption and regulatory lag. In IPOs, discipline is returning, with valuations and pricing scrutiny shaping 2026’s expected rebound.

Trending tickers: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) reopens Paramount talks, Tripadvisor (TRIP) faces activist pressure, and Masimo (MASI) surges on a Danaher deal.

Takeaways:

• Nasdaq futures lead declines as AI volatility continues
• Software multiples compress amid ROI scrutiny
• AI seen as a productivity boost, not a complete replacement
• IPO market favors pricing discipline over momentum
• M&A and activism drive single-stock moves

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