US stock index futures ticked higher on Monday, with investors ready to set aside new military tensions between the U.S. and Iran despite lingering nervousness, as prospects of diplomatic negotiations helped market sentiment.
At the beginning of the session, futures on the technology-focused Nasdaq outshone their peers, with all major American stock indexes in positive territory despite political uncertainties. This rally suggests that traders are still focusing on fundamentals and companies' earnings rather than reacting to events in the Middle East.
As of 4:47 AM GMT-5, E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures rose 183.25 points, or 0.64%, to 28,956.50. E-mini S&P 500 futures gained 24.50 points. or 0.33%, to 7,522.25, while E-mini Dow Jones Industrial Average futures climbed 145 points, or 0.28%, to 52,520.00.
The firmer showing in Nasdaq futures seemed to echo ongoing investor interest in technology shares, ahead of the start of the US cash market.
Trading started cautiously following new US military strikes against Iran, which resulted in maintaining high geopolitical tensions. During the trading session, oil prices were mixed, while US Treasuries rose, suggesting initial concerns about the situation.
Nevertheless, the mood in the markets turned positive following statements by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, who noted that channels of communication remained open. According to Iranian news, Baghaei stated that the messengers were continuing to send messages to Tehran regardless of the new US strikes, adding that negotiations with the United States were possible as long as they aligned with Iran’s interests.
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America has conducted the ninth consecutive strike on Iran during the night, ensuring that the geopolitical situation remains very tense. Nevertheless, the gain achieved on Monday suggests that traders hope the crisis might be contained through diplomacy.
Another important point is that the upward movement in futures markets indicates that traders are optimistic about US equities. With the ongoing earnings season and positive interest in tech stocks, traders seem to balance geopolitical risks against stable corporate performance.