(Reuters) -U.S. stock index futures edged higher on Friday, signaling a rebound after a brief pause as investors refocused on AI-driven momentum that has steered markets this year, while awaiting consumer sentiment data for fresh clues on the economy.

While the earnings season that begins next week will be a crucial litmus test for U.S. stock markets, traders so far have brushed off concerns about a bubble in equities.

Some analysts believe the AI trade, so far mostly concentrated in tech, will spill over into energy and construction firms as demand for data center buildout accelerates.

“I feel pretty confident that AI will broaden out to other areas of the market. Investors are going to realize that the companies that provide or create AI are one thing, but companies that will be the b

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