Dow Jones futures traded flat as investors weighed mixed manufacturing PMI data. The blue-chip index’s futures indicators suggest short-term consolidation with potential upside as industrial earnings forecasts stabilize. Well, the last halving took place in April 2024, so it's soon going to be 18 months. As a result, red danger signals should be flashing right now, alerting investors that the Bitcoin rally of the past 18 months could be coming to an end soon. Just look back to November 2021, when Bitcoin suddenly nosedived in value after hitting a (then) all-time high of $69,000. This classic market dynamic, where seasoned institutions sell into buying from individual investors, is often viewed as a cautionary indicator. It highlights a critical split in sentiment, raising questions about whether retail optimism will be rewarded or if the institutional flight signals turbulence ahead for the market. Stock markets futures eased after gold prices surged past $2,400, reflecting a flight to safety. This precious metal rally is often seen as a counterbalance to equity risk sentiment, especially in heightened geopolitical climates.