Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 48 points, or 0.1%, to 43069. S&P 500 futures gained 23 points, or 0.4%, to 6013. Nasdaq-100 futures increased 127 points, or 0.6%, to 21643.

U.S. stock futures were edging higher to start the week, extending some early gains to start the year. It’s a welcome relief after St. Nick [decided not to visit](

Every year, investors look forward to the “Santa Claus rally,” a period that encompasses the final five trading days of December and the first two trading days of the new year. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has gained, on average, 1.3% during this stretch, while finishing higher nearly 80% of the time, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

U.S. stock index futures edged higher on Monday, building on a late rally last week, as investors bought into technology stocks on continued optimism around AI and awaited crucial economic data that could set the tone for the U.