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Futures: Dow up 0.05%, S&P 500 up 0.2%, Nasdaq up 0.3%

Sept 24 (Reuters) - Futures for the S&P 500 and the

Nasdaq edged higher on Wednesday as investors assessed cautious

commentary from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and

looked ahead to key economic data later in the week.

While the recent numbers point to a resilient economy,

comments from Fed officials have injected some wariness,

especially about the labor market. Powell added to the measured

tone on Tuesday, noting that asset prices appeared fairly highly

valued.

He stopped short of aligning with either camp in the ongoing

debate among Fed policymakers, with some pushing for more

aggressive cuts to support the jobs market while others urge

restraint to avoid reigniting inflation.

Instead, the Fed chair emphasized the delicate balancing act

the central bank is faced with to navigate inflation risks while

addressing signs of a softening labor market.

At 5.30 a.m. ET, Dow e-minis rose 22 points, or

0.05%, U.S. S&P 500 E-minis gained 11.5 points, or 0.2%,

and Nasdaq 100 E-minis added 78.5 points, or 0.3%.

A widely expected 25-basis-point cut last week helped propel

equities, but investors are hoping for more easing this year to

keep the momentum going.

"The bias is so heavily skewed towards ultra dovishness that

any shortcomings in commentary can cause a wobble in sentiment,"

Daniela Sabin Hathorn, senior market analyst at online trading

firm Capital.com, said in a note.

There has also been concern about inflated stock valuations

in some sectors. Only 17% of stocks in the benchmark S&P 500

outperformed the index in the last three months, according to

data from Charles Schwab, underscoring the narrow breadth

powering the rally.

Investors will closely watch the core personal consumption

expenditures data, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, due to

be released later this week. A hotter-than-expected reading

could strengthen the case for a more cautious pace of easing,

while a softer print might reinforce bets on additional cuts.

Meanwhile, housing market data due on Wednesday could offer

insight into consumer demand and builder sentiment, especially

as elevated borrowing costs continue to weigh on affordability.

The sector has been pressured for much of the year and any

signs of stabilization could influence broader sentiment.

Markets may also take cues from an upcoming speech by

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President Mary Daly, who

could shed light on how regional Fed officials are interpreting

the latest data and policy signals.

In stocks, Lithium Americas' U.S.-listed shares

surged 67% after Reuters reported President Donald Trump's

administration was weighing taking an up to 10% equity stake in

the company.

Memory chipmaker Micron Technology's ( MU ) shares also rose

1.3% before the open after it forecast quarterly revenue above

estimates.

Equities have become increasingly central to household

wealth, making market performance a key pillar of consumer

confidence.

Household exposure to stocks rose to a record 65.8% in the

second quarter, higher than their share at the peak of the

dotcom bubble, according to Schwab.