US Stock market future today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq slip as Fed takes the wheel — earnings, tech turbulence & global tensions shake investor confidence

Economic Times

5 hours ago

US Stock market future today reflects a cautious mood as Wall Street stalls amid fears of U.S. involvement in the growing Israel-Iran conflict. Investors are closely watching President Trump's latest warning and a key Federal Reserve rate decision expected later today. With futures for the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq showing little movement, concerns about war escalation and inflation are keeping markets in check. Rising oil prices and upcoming jobless claims data are also shaping sentiment. As geopolitical tensions heat up, all eyes are on what the Fed's dot plot and Powell's press conference will reveal about rate cut chances.
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Why are U.S. stock futures stalling today?
How are major U.S. indexes performing today?
Dow Jones Futures : Down 31 points (–0.07%)
: Down 31 points (–0.07%) S&P 500 Futures : Up 1.5 points (+0.03%)
: Up 1.5 points (+0.03%) Nasdaq-100 Futures: Up 23 points (+0.11%)
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SPY (S&P 500 ETF) : $597.53 (–0.86%)
: $597.53 (–0.86%) QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF) : $529.08 (–0.98%)
: $529.08 (–0.98%) DIA (Dow ETF): $423.11 (–0.74%)
Which stocks are soaring in premarket trading?
PTL Limited (PTLE) : +90% to +190% – Huge momentum from speculative buying
: +90% to +190% – Huge momentum from speculative buying Leishen Energy (LSE) : +87% – Likely reacting to new sector buzz
: +87% – Likely reacting to new sector buzz Biodexa Pharmaceuticals (BDRX) : +55% to +58% – Biotech rally underway
: +55% to +58% – Biotech rally underway Reliance Global (RELI) : +37% to +45% – Strong trading volume lifts shares
: +37% to +45% – Strong trading volume lifts shares Scholar Rock (SRRK) : +21.9% – Riding positive mid-stage drug trial results
: +21.9% – Riding positive mid-stage drug trial results Korn Ferry (KFY): +5.2% – Earnings beat lifts the consulting giant
Who's in trouble before the bell?
CERo Therapeutics (CERO) : –22% to –28%
: –22% to –28% Aurora Cannabis (ACB) : –20% to –22% – Cannabis sector continues struggling
: –20% to –22% – Cannabis sector continues struggling Beyond Air (XAIR) : –20.7%
: –20.7% Eyenovia (EYEN) : –16%
: –16% Zoetis (ZTS) : –1.5% – Stifel downgrade weighs on shares
: –1.5% – Stifel downgrade weighs on shares Bitdeer Technologies (BTDR): –6% – Hit after convertible note announcement
Which major stocks are making headlines today?
Valero Energy : +2.9% – Oil sector stays strong
: +2.9% – Oil sector stays strong Lockheed Martin : +2.6% – Defense names benefit from global tensions
: +2.6% – Defense names benefit from global tensions Humana : +2.4% – Healthcare stocks showing resilience
: +2.4% – Healthcare stocks showing resilience Live Nation: +2.3% – Leisure and entertainment inch upward
Adobe (ADBE) : –4.6% – Post-earnings drop
: –4.6% – Post-earnings drop Tesla (TSLA) : –3.9% in-session, though slightly higher premarket
: –3.9% in-session, though slightly higher premarket T-Mobile (TMUS) : –4.1% – Telecom pressure
: –4.1% – Telecom pressure Delta Air Lines (DAL) : –4.3% – Travel stocks under pressure
: –4.3% – Travel stocks under pressure AES Corp: –8.1% – Heavy losses weigh on utilities
Is the U.S. about to join the Israel-Iran conflict?
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How are oil prices reacting to Middle East tensions?
What should investors expect from the Fed today?
Could jobless claims offer clues about the U.S. economy?
What's driving the market today?
Federal Reserve front and center : Investors await fresh Fed commentary that could hint at the interest rate outlook for the second half of 2025.
: Investors await fresh Fed commentary that could hint at the interest rate outlook for the second half of 2025. Middle East tensions linger : Although less dominant than earlier in the week, geopolitical risks remain a backdrop to cautious trading.
: Although less dominant than earlier in the week, geopolitical risks remain a backdrop to cautious trading. Earnings, biotech buzz, and upgrades/downgrades: Stock-specific news, especially in the biotech, energy, and defense sectors, is driving sharp intraday moves.
FAQs:
US Stock market today future reflects uncertainty, with Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures holding flat amid rising fears of U.S. military involvement in the Middle East and an awaited Federal Reserve interest rate decision. Investors are on edge as President Trump signals possible escalation with Iran, while oil prices recover slightly. The Fed's decision on rates, due at 2 p.m. ET, could sway markets further, especially if new signals emerge from Chair Jerome Powell. Traders are also watching weekly jobless claims for signs of economic health.U.S. stock market futures remained mostly unchanged on Wednesday morning, reflecting growing investor caution. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F) and the S&P 500 (ES=F) hovered near the flat line. Meanwhile, contracts for the Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) also showed minimal movement after all three major indexes posted losses the previous day.The market's muted tone comes as geopolitical tension escalates. Concerns are mounting over a potential U.S. entry into the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Investors are bracing for ripple effects that could spread across global markets if tensions turn into direct military action.As of the latest premarket update:Major ETF proxies also reflect modest shifts:Here are some of the top premarket gainers making big moves:Premarket losers are seeing sharp declines, many due to earnings misses, downgrades, or capital concerns:Some of the most watched names in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are seeing notable moves:Global markets have been volatile since conflict erupted between Israel and Iran last week. The situation intensified Tuesday when President Donald Trump warned, 'Our patience is wearing thin,' during a national security briefing. This sparked widespread speculation that the U.S. may join Israel's military offensive.According to reports, Iran has prepared its missile systems to strike U.S. bases in the region if American forces intervene. Tehran also stated that any U.S. involvement would be met with a 'firm response,' highlighting the growing threat of wider war. These developments have raised serious concerns among market participants, who fear that military escalation could disrupt global trade and energy supplies.Oil prices, often a barometer of geopolitical stress, saw some recovery after early losses on Wednesday. After dipping nearly 1% earlier in the day, Brent crude futures (BZ=F) climbed back above $76 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) traded slightly above $75 per barrel.The bounce reflects the market's anticipation of potential supply disruptions in the Middle East. Any U.S.-Iran conflict could impact shipping lanes and oil production, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil exports.Amid these rising geopolitical tensions, investor focus is also locked on the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, scheduled for 2 p.m. ET Wednesday. Most analysts expect the Fed to keep rates steady, but the spotlight will be on the dot plot, which indicates policymakers' projections for future rate moves.With economic pressures building from Trump's aggressive tariff and trade strategies, Wall Street is eager to see whether two rate cuts in 2025 remain likely. Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference following the announcement is expected to provide additional clarity on how the central bank views inflation risks, global uncertainty, and economic resilience.Alongside the Fed decision, investors are awaiting the latest weekly jobless claims report for insights into the strength of the U.S. labor market. A sharp rise in claims could signal cooling job growth, while steady numbers might suggest continued economic momentum despite international and domestic pressures.The jobless data, though routine, carries more weight today given the combined effect of Trump's trade policies, potential military involvement overseas, and the Fed's next moves. All eyes are on whether these external pressures are beginning to dent job security for Americans.Today's stock market outlook is being shaped by a perfect storm—rising Middle East tensions, President Trump's aggressive stance, rising oil prices, and the uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's policy direction.Investors are trying to read between the lines: Will the U.S. strike Iran? Will the Fed shift its tone? Will jobless numbers reveal hidden cracks in the economy?Because investors are worried about U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict and waiting for the Fed's rate decision.The Federal Reserve's policy decision is expected at 2 p.m. ET today.