US Stock Market Weekly Outlook For Sept 21-25: Futures Mixed; Trump-Xi Meeting To Impact DJIA, Nasdaq, SP500

The US stock market is expected to trade moderately choppy and bearish in the trading week of September 21st to 25th. However, experts are alarmed that if Treasury Yields continue to rise above, then it will be further worrisome. In the early hours of Monday, US stock futures traded on a mixed note. The Dow Jones futures plunged, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures traded higher. Investors are tracking developments between USA and Chinese leaders meeting in New York, culminating in a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. This comes after Trump approved the Russian sanction bill, which will pave the way for 100% tariffs on China and India, among other countries that buy oil and gas from Russia.

US Stock Futures Today, September 21, 2026

The Dow Jones futures plunged 195 points or 0.4% to trade around 51,612, after DJIA index crashed more than 1,000 points last week. On the contrary, the Nasdaq 100 futures surged by 97.75 points or 0.33% to trade at 29,544.50, while the S&P 500 index edged higher by 3.25 points to trade at 7,643.25.

According to Trading Economics, the talks between American and Chinese leaders are expected to cover trade, artificial intelligence and disruptions in the Middle East. Trump also said he would "probably" be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly this week, where he may also hold discussions with other Persian Gulf leaders.

Dow Jones + Nasdaq + S&P 500

On September 18th, the Dow Jones dipped by 95.40 points or 0.2% to end at 51,682.64. On the contrary, the Nasdaq Composite index zoomed by over 104 points or 0.4% to close at 26,522.54 and S&P 500 index surged by 13 points or 0.2% to end at 7,650.50.

The reason was the US Federal Reserve's first rate hike by 25 basis points to 3.75% to 4% since 2023. Also, market continued to track elevated crude oil prices and treasury yields which indicates further inflationary pressures and monetary policy tightening.

Overall, for the trading week from September 14th to 18th, Dow Jones crashed by 1,068.24 points or 2.03%. In contrast to Dow, the Nasdaq posted weekly gains of 504.04 points or 1.94%, emerging as the top performer of the week. Meanwhile, S&P 500 index recorded 39.06 points or 0.51% weekly upside.

In the early hours of Monday, crude oil prices crashed sharply. US WTI crude is down over 2.3% to trade around $98 per barrel, while Brent crude slipped by over 2.2% to trade around $101.6 per barrel. On the other hand, US 10-year benchmark treasury yield edged up 7 basis points to reclaim 5% as traders continue to repel around Fed's hawkish stance.

US Stock Market Weekly Outlook For September 21-25

This week's calendar is light with economic data and earnings. Hence, the primary drivers are expected to be crude oil prices and treasury yields.

Also, both Trump and Xi are expected to meet on September 24 on issues related to trade, Iran conflict, AI progression, and critical minerals, which will further add to the Wall Street sentiment.

During the weekend, Trump has signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 bill, eventually making ways to impose 100% tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas. India is one of the countries that import oil from Russia, although the percentage has dropped significantly.

"The seasonal trends lean in the bears' favor as we move into the back-half of September, which is historically the worst performing month for stocks. Taking everything into consideration, I am providing a "choppy, moderately bearish" outlook for next week," said Peterson.

What could change is stance? He added, "If yields on the 10-year were steadily rising above the 5.0% I would be much more concerned, but since buyers appear to be stepping in around 5.0%, which coincides with the prior high in 2023, this is a relatively bullish development in my view. What could challenge my forecast? Obviously, lower oil prices and/or lower yields would likely set stocks up for weekly gains."

Monday, September 21, 2026

There are no economic data. But companies like AnaptysBio Inc. (ANAB) and Ennis Inc. (EBF) scheduled to declare their earnings report.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

On Tuesday as well, there are no economic reports. But companies like AutoZone Inc. (AZO), KB Home (KBH), THOR Industries Inc. (THO), and Worthington Enterprises Inc. (WOR) will declare their quarterly earnings.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Wednesday will be busy as economic data like EIA Crude Oil Inventories, MBA Mortgage Applications Index, S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI, and S&P Global U.S. Services PMI are scheduled.

Among quarterly earnings, companies like Cintas Corporation (CTAS), Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. (CBRL), General Mills Inc. (GIS), H.B. Fuller Company (FUL), and Paychex Inc. (PAYX) will be in focus.

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Apart from US and China's President's meeting, economic data like Continuing Claims, Current Account Balance, EIA Natural Gas Inventories, Initial Claims, and New Home Sales are scheduled to be released on Thursday.

Companies like Blackberry Ltd. (BB), Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST), Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI), TD SYNNEX Corp. (SNX), and Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC) will declare their quarterly results.

Friday, September 25, 2026

While there are no earnings scheduled on Friday, economic data like Durable Orders, and University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment will be released.

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