Dow Jones likely to succumb to Friday 13th jitters as investors await CPI reading

• January CPI is expected to show headline inflation rising 0.3% month-over-month and slowing to 2.5%-2.7% year-over-year, which could impact the Fed's interest rate decisions
• Thursday's session saw broad losses with the Nasdaq down 2%, S&P 500 down 1.6%, and Dow Jones down 1.3%, driven by AI-related concerns affecting investor sentiment
• Economic data shows weak demand and sluggish retail sales despite strong January payrolls, with growth primarily driven by trade and AI-related investments

Market Summary: Dow Jones Faces Pressure Ahead of CPI Data

Market Overview:

US stock futures opened lower on Friday, February 13, 2026, with Dow Jones and S&P 500 futures down approximately 0.3% and Nasdaq futures declining 0.2%. The previous session saw significant losses: Nasdaq fell 2%, S&P 500 dropped 1.6%, and Dow Jones declined 1.3%, driven by AI-related concerns.

Key Data Release:

January's Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, scheduled for release at 8:30am ET, is the focal point for investors. According to Tickmill Group's Patrick Munnelly, expectations point to:

• Month-over-month headline CPI increase: 0.3%
• Year-over-year CPI: 2.5%-2.7% (moderating trend)

Market Implications:

The CPI reading will likely influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction. Strong January employment figures have already reduced expectations for near-term rate cuts. Munnelly noted that "weak demand and sluggish retail sales highlight economic imbalances despite strong January payrolls," with growth concentrated in trade and AI-related investments.

Company Spotlight:

Rivian (NASDAQ:RIVN) remains in focus, with the electric vehicle manufacturer planning a 47-59% increase in 2026 deliveries driven by its new R2 SUV launch. The company expects to continue recording pre-tax losses as it scales production and invests in growth initiatives.

Broader Context:

Market sentiment continues to be weighed down by concerns over AI-driven market disruption, creating uncertainty across technology-heavy indices. The combination of inflation data and monetary policy expectations is creating a cautious trading environment as investors assess the economic outlook.