U.S. stock futures wavered Friday as investors digested a mixed corporate earnings slate and economic data. Intel reported a surprise fourth-quarter loss, citing supply shortages from soaring AI data center demand. The chipmaker also projected a first-quarter loss, challenging new CEO Lip-Bu Tan's efforts to compete with Nvidia and AMD.

Meanwhile, TikTok unveiled a Trump-administration-brokered joint venture to keep its U.S. operations running. The deal gives a new U.S.-based entity, backed by Oracle and Abu Dhabi's MGX, an 80.1% stake, addressing national security concerns over its Chinese parent ByteDance. Gold prices hit a record high, nearing $5,000 an ounce amid safe-haven demand.

The Bank of Japan held rates steady but signaled more hikes ahead, lifting growth and inflation forecasts. This hawkish pivot, alongside fading U.S.-Europe trade tensions, is redirecting market focus to the Federal Reserve's upcoming decision. Investors are weighing corporate headwinds against a complex global monetary backdrop.