US Stock Futures Rise as Oil Falls Ahead of Fed Decision and Tech Earnings

Futures Rally as Oil Prices Drop

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.8%, while S&P 500 futures also gained 0.8%. Nasdaq-100 futures outperformed, jumping 1.4% after a volatile week that pushed major indexes lower.

Market sentiment improved over the weekend as the United States and Iran paused fighting, raising expectations that peace negotiations could restart after two weeks of attacks. In response, oil prices fell sharply, with Brent crude futures tumbling as much as 6% and last down more than 5% to trade below $87 a barrel.

A sustained decline in oil prices could help ease some inflationary pressures, which are closely watched by monetary policymakers. This dynamic is especially relevant ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve decision.

Federal Reserve Decision and Big Tech Earnings in Focus

The Federal Reserve is scheduled to deliver an interest rate decision on Wednesday. The central bank is widely expected to hold rates steady while officials assess progress on inflation. However, a rate increase remains possible, making this one of the least-telegraphed Fed decisions in recent years.

At the same time, investors are preparing for a heavy earnings calendar. A particular focus is on Big Tech, with Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Apple, and Amazon set to report results. Market participants are expected to scrutinize capital expenditure plans and strategies for monetizing artificial intelligence, after capital spending disclosures from Alphabet and Tesla previously triggered a sharp sell-off in the technology sector.

Broader Corporate Earnings Line-Up

Beyond Big Tech, several major companies across sectors will release quarterly results this week. AstraZeneca and Nucor Corporation are among those kicking off the earnings schedule.

Further reports are expected from SK Hynix, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Procter & Gamble, and Arm Holdings. The week’s earnings season will conclude with results from ExxonMobil and Chevron, providing additional insight into corporate performance across both consumer and energy industries.

FAQ

What are US stock futures doing today?
Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 are both up 0.8%, while Nasdaq-100 futures are higher by 1.4%.

How are oil prices moving?
Brent crude futures have fallen as much as 6% and were last reported more than 5% lower, trading below $87 a barrel.

What is expected from the Federal Reserve this week?
The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady on Wednesday, although a rate hike remains possible in what is described as one of the least-telegraphed decisions in years.

Which major companies are reporting earnings this week?
Key reporters include Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Apple, Amazon, AstraZeneca, Nucor Corporation, SK Hynix, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Procter & Gamble, Arm Holdings, ExxonMobil, and Chevron.