US stock futures advanced during European trading hours on Thursday, with Dow Jones futures up 0.23% near 50,150, S&P 500 futures rising 0.18% to around 7,400, and Nasdaq 100 futures gaining 0.21% above 28,780 [1]. The positive momentum was attributed to improved investor sentiment following reports of potential progress in US-Iran negotiations. According to the BBC, Iran is still considering a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict, which includes a one-page memorandum of understanding that would gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease the American blockade on Iranian ports. Talks on Iran’s nuclear program are expected to occur at a later stage, but no final agreement has been reached yet [1].
The prospect of peace between the US and Iran led to a sharp decline in oil prices, which in turn helped alleviate inflation concerns and reduced expectations for a prolonged hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve. However, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee cautioned that inflation has not continued to cool toward the Fed’s 2% target and has instead accelerated since the conflict began [1].
During regular US trading on Wednesday, the Dow Jones climbed 1.24%, the S&P 500 rose 1.46%, and the Nasdaq-100 advanced 2.02%. Robust corporate earnings, particularly among AI-linked companies, continued to bolster market sentiment. Notably, Disney shares surged 7.54% after reporting a strong fiscal second-quarter with adjusted EPS of $1.57 and a 7% increase in revenue to $24.9 billion. Uber shares jumped 8.53% following better-than-expected first-quarter earnings and upbeat guidance for the second quarter, outperforming the technology sector’s 2.64% gain [1].
Investors are now looking ahead to additional earnings releases on Thursday, including reports from McDonald’s, Gilead Sciences, and Airbnb, which could further influence market direction [1].
CONCLUSION
US stock futures are rising on optimism over a potential US-Iran agreement, which has eased inflation concerns and boosted market sentiment. Strong corporate earnings, especially from Disney and Uber, have further supported the rally. Investors remain attentive to upcoming earnings reports and Federal Reserve commentary for further market cues.