U.S. stock index futures ticked up on Friday, as market participants digested a busy first full trading week of 2025. Cooler-than-expected inflation data has set Wall Street on track for its best week since the election last year.

Global shares are mostly higher following a rally on Wall Street driven by encouraging update on U.S. inflation. Oil prices slipped and U.S. futures edged higher.

BMO Capital Markets forecasts the S&P 500 will reach 6,700, reflecting a gain of 13.2%. Chief investment strategist Brian Belski said he and his team "remain resolutely bullish," but expect "performance and fundamentals will more closely match the historical norms -- namely, in the high-single digit/low-double-digit percentage range in 2025."

Asian shares traded mixed Tuesday, echoing Wall Street trading, where gains for oil-and-gas producers helped offset drops for Nvidia and other Big Tech companies. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 1.

U.S. stocks are ripping higher Wednesday after getting a shot of adrenaline from an encouraging update on U.S. inflation. Strong profit reports from Wells Fargo and other big U.S. banks are also helping to launch indexes toward their best day in two months.