U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Iran Conflict Extends into Second Month

Futures Rebound After Prior Session Losses

By 03:30 ET (08:30 GMT) on Monday, Dow futures were up 93 points, or 0.2%, S&P 500 futures rose 18 points, or 0.3%, and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 62 points, or 0.3%. The advance followed declines in the main Wall Street indices in the previous session.

The market moves came as President Donald Trump extended until April 6 a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face potential U.S. military strikes on energy infrastructure. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is considering a complex and risky operation to remove almost 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran.

Markets remain unsettled by the trajectory of the conflict, with a prevailing view that tensions are likely to escalate. Troops from the U.S. 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are reported to have arrived in the Middle East, while at least 12 U.S. troops were injured in an Iranian attack on an air base in Saudi Arabia over the weekend.

Energy and Safe-Haven Moves as Geopolitical Risks Mount

Brent crude futures climbed 3.3% to $108.77 a barrel, reflecting concerns over potential disruptions to oil supplies from the region. Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen entered the conflict for the first time, launching attacks on Israel and adding a further layer of geopolitical risk.

Gold prices also moved higher, with spot gold rising 0.8% to $4,527.01 an ounce, as investors sought perceived safe-haven assets. At the same time, Trump indicated that direct negotiations with Iran were ongoing and described talks as going “extremely well,” suggesting that a deal with Tehran could be close.

Investors are also looking ahead to key U.S. economic data later this week. On Wednesday, a new ISM manufacturing gauge for March is due, followed by the latest U.S. jobs report on Friday. Economists expect the U.S. economy to have added 56,000 jobs in March, following a decline of 92,000 in February.

FAQ

What are U.S. stock futures indicating for Monday’s open?
U.S. stock futures are pointing higher, with Dow futures up 93 points (0.2%), S&P 500 futures up 18 points (0.3%), and Nasdaq 100 futures up 62 points (0.3%) as of 03:30 ET (08:30 GMT).

How is the Iran conflict affecting energy markets?
Brent crude futures rose 3.3% to $108.77 a barrel amid fears of further escalation in the Middle East and potential threats to energy infrastructure and supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

What safe-haven assets are moving in response to geopolitical tensions?
Gold prices gained, with spot gold up 0.8% to $4,527.01 an ounce, as investors reacted to the ongoing conflict and related uncertainties.

Which key U.S. economic data releases are in focus this week?
Markets are watching the ISM manufacturing index for March due Wednesday and the U.S. jobs report on Friday, with economists expecting a 56,000 increase in March nonfarm jobs after a 92,000 decline in February.