US Equity Futures Slightly Higher Pre-Bell as Major Averages Rebound After Fed-Induced Sell-Off

08:06 AM EDT, 09/18/2026 (MT Newswires) -- US equity futures were slightly higher pre-bell Friday as the major stock averages posted a rebound after a decline following Wednesday's first Federal Reserve interest rate hike since 2023. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were flat, S&P 500 futures were up 0.1%, and Nasdaq futures were 0.3% higher. The US State Department has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 Lockheed Martin (LMT) F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, as the Middle Eastern nation faces escalating attacks from Iran-backed Houthi forces. Lockheed Martin and RTX's (RTX) Pratt & Whitney would be the main contractors, according to a congressional notification issued Thursday. Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 1.4% at $103.32 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 0.4% lower at $101.51 per barrel. The August industrial production report, due at 9:15 am ET, is projected to show a 0.3% gain following a 0.2% increase in the prior month, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg. August's leading indicators data is scheduled to be released 10 am ET. Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman, and Kansas City President Jeff Schmid are slated to speak on Friday.