June S&P 500 futures (ESM23) are up +0.49%, and June Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures (NQM23) are up +0.59% this morning after three major U.S. benchmark indices finished the regular session in the red as fresh banking sector concerns weighed on sentiment while investors looked ahead to a crucial U.S. nonfarm payrolls report.
In Thursday’s trading session, the benchmark S&P 500 and blue-chip Dow notched 5-week lows, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 fell to a 1-week low. PacWest Bancorp (PACW) tumbled over -50% after the lender confirmed it was discussing strategic options, including a potential sale or capital raise. Also, Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL) plunged over -38% after the Financial Times reported that the lender was exploring a potential sale. However, the Arizona-based bank described the report as “categorically false in all respects.” In addition, Goldman Sachs (GS) dropped over -2% and was among the top percentage losers on the Dow after the Wall Street titan disclosed that it was under review by U.S. governmental agencies for its role in Silicon Valley Bank’s failed attempts to raise funds.
