07:52 AM EDT, 05/07/2024 (MT Newswires) -- US equity futures were little changed Tuesday pre-bell after markets took a breather following gains fueled by hopes of rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gained 0.05%, S&P 500 futures were flat, and Nasdaq futures slipped 0.2%.

Comments from New York Fed President John Williams and Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin on Monday boosted expectations that policymakers will cut rates soon.

Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 0.4% and US West Texas Intermediate crude down 0.4%.