The S&P 500 index futures built on Wednesday’s recovery with solid strength during Thursday’s session, bolstered by Trump’s comments easing concerns over tariffs and Greenland.

Overnight, bulls established a firm base near Wednesday’s close, setting the day’s low at 6911.25 in the green. By the regular session open, futures had already surpassed Wednesday’s high. The bell brought initial chop, but momentum stalled as a wave of selling erased most gains, not quite reaching the overnight low. November’s PCE price index came in line with expectations shortly after the open. While there was no immediate reaction, it appeared to mark the turning point, with bulls regaining control.

The subsequent rally unfolded more slowly, pushing into the afternoon to a high of 6969. Late-session profit-taking reversed progress, nearly dragging futures back to the intraday low before buyers stepped in to defend. The session closed above the day’s midpoint at 6945, up 35 handles.

Friday brings minor macro data, including January’s S&P flash PMI, and a handful of additional earnings reports, mostly before the open.

Among top index components, Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META) led as the biggest gainer, surging $34.67 or 5.66% to close at $647.63, riding the broader strength and supported by an analyst price target increase. 

That performance was an order of magnitude better than the cash index’s 0.52% advance. 

Conversely, Walmart Inc (NYSE: WMT) was the biggest loser, slipping $1.53 or 1.28% to close at $117.83.