U.S. stock futures fall after metals selloff; key tech earnings, jobs report loom

U.S. stock futures experienced a decline on Thursday, following a significant selloff in the metals market. This downturn was primarily driven by a sharp drop in copper prices, which fell to their lowest levels in nearly two years. The selloff in metals was attributed to concerns over weakening global demand, particularly from China, the world's largest consumer of industrial metals. Investors are now turning their attention to key economic indicators, including a highly anticipated jobs report and the earnings of major technology companies, which are expected to provide further insights into the state of the economy. The upcoming jobs report, scheduled for release on Friday, is seen as a critical indicator of the labor market's health, which has been a focal point for the Federal Reserve in its monetary policy decisions. Additionally, earnings reports from tech giants such as Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet are expected to influence market sentiment, as these companies are often seen as bellwethers for the broader economy. The interplay between these economic indicators and the recent metals selloff will likely shape market movements in the coming days.