Wall Street Futures Rise as Traders Watch Iran Talks, Jobs Data and Nike Earnings

Markets enter the final session of the quarter with technology stocks recovering and investors focused on key economic signals.

US stock futures edged higher on Tuesday as investors prepared for the final trading session of the first half of the year and the end of the second quarter.

Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 all moved slightly higher in early trading. The move followed a stronger session on Wall Street on Monday, helped by a rebound in technology stocks after recent concerns over artificial intelligence infrastructure spending.

The S&P 500 also ended a five-session losing streak and is on track for one of its strongest quarterly performances in several years. This suggests investor confidence has improved, although markets remain sensitive to economic data, interest rates and geopolitical risks.

Several key themes are shaping market sentiment:

• US stock futures are pointing slightly higher.
• Technology shares have recovered after recent weakness.
• Traders are watching possible US-Iran talks in Qatar.
• The JOLTS jobs report will offer clues on the US labour market.
• Nike earnings will be closely watched after the market close.
• Chinese manufacturing activity has shown modest improvement.

Technology stocks remain an important driver of market direction. Semiconductor shares rose sharply on Monday after a difficult week, helped by renewed buying across AI-linked names. Investors had recently questioned whether heavy artificial intelligence spending could continue to support valuations, but the latest rebound suggests the AI trade still has support.

Geopolitics is also in focus. US officials are reportedly heading to Qatar, where President Donald Trump said talks with Iran may take place. However, Iran has not confirmed that negotiations are scheduled. The talks matter because recent fighting around the Strait of Hormuz had threatened to disrupt energy markets and revive inflation fears.

Brent crude has eased back towards pre-war levels, trading around $73 a barrel. Lower oil prices could help reduce inflation pressure, which may support equities if investors believe central banks will not need to raise interest rates as aggressively.

The US economic calendar is also important. The JOLTS report, which measures job openings and labour turnover, is expected to show a fall in open roles for May. A weaker reading may suggest that the labour market is cooling, which could influence expectations for Federal Reserve policy.

Investors will also watch US consumer confidence data, which may give further insight into household sentiment and future spending.

Nike is the main company reporting earnings on Tuesday. The sportswear giant is expected to provide an update on its turnaround plan under chief executive Elliott Hill. Investors will be looking for signs of improving demand, especially after Nike previously warned that sales could fall in the current quarter.

China also added to the global market picture. Official manufacturing activity rose slightly in June, helped by export demand and artificial intelligence-related spending. However, domestic demand remains weak, meaning the recovery is still fragile.

Conclusion

Markets are entering the final session of the quarter in a cautiously positive mood. A rebound in technology stocks has helped lift sentiment, while lower oil prices have reduced some inflation concerns.

However, investors are still waiting for confirmation from US jobs data, Nike earnings and possible US-Iran talks. Any disappointment in these areas could quickly bring volatility back into focus.

Sources: (SKYMoney, Investing.com, Reuters)