U.S. stock futures edge higher after record S&P 500 and Nasdaq closes

Futures extend gains after record closes

S&P 500 Futures rose 0.2% to 7,255.0 points on Friday, while Nasdaq 100 Futures edged up 0.1% to 27,617.25 points. Dow Jones Futures gained 0.1% to 49,900.0 points, indicating a cautiously positive start to the trading day.

On Thursday, U.S. equities closed higher across major benchmarks. The S&P 500 advanced 1% to finish above the 7,200 mark at a record closing level. The Nasdaq Composite gained roughly 0.9%, also reaching an all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed, climbing 1.6%.

The advance was supported by upbeat corporate earnings, which reinforced optimism around corporate profitability and helped markets look past concerns about inflation and geopolitical tensions.

Corporate earnings underpin market sentiment

In after-hours trading on Thursday, Apple shares rose nearly 3% following the release of its quarterly earnings report. Investors responded positively to signs of resilient iPhone demand and continued strength in the company’s high-margin services segment.

Apple reported record total company revenue and record profit per share. iPhone sales increased more than 20% for the second consecutive quarter, underscoring robust demand for the company’s flagship product.

Reddit shares surged more than 13% in after-hours trade after the company reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter results. The performance added to the generally positive tone around corporate earnings.

Geopolitical tensions and oil price volatility

Despite the positive earnings backdrop, sentiment remained fragile due to persistent geopolitical risks tied to the Iran conflict. An Axios report on Wednesday stated that U.S. President Donald Trump was set to receive a briefing on new military options against Iran, raising concerns over a possible escalation.

Iran has warned that any new U.S. attack would trigger “long and painful strikes” on American positions in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remained effectively shut, disrupting a key route for global oil shipments and tightening supply expectations.

Brent crude futures reflected this tension and supply uncertainty, surging to more than $126 per barrel earlier on Thursday, their highest level in four years. Prices later retreated sharply to around $114 per barrel amid profit-taking and currency-related moves.

FAQ

What are U.S. stock futures indicating for Friday’s session?
U.S. stock futures are pointing to modest gains, with S&P 500 Futures up 0.2%, Nasdaq 100 Futures up 0.1%, and Dow Jones Futures up 0.1%.

Which major indices hit record highs on Thursday?
The S&P 500 closed above 7,200 at a record level, and the Nasdaq Composite also ended the session at an all-time high.

How did Apple perform in its latest earnings report?
Apple reported record total revenue and record profit per share, with iPhone sales growing more than 20% for the second straight quarter, supporting a nearly 3% rise in its shares in after-hours trading.

What is happening with Brent crude prices?
Brent crude climbed to over $126 per barrel on Thursday, its highest level in four years, before pulling back to around $114 per barrel amid profit-taking and currency moves.