US stock index futures were little changed on Tuesday, following a weak start to the week for the major averages as lingering uncertainty over a potential US-Iran deal and expectations of tighter monetary policy weighed on risk appetite. On Monday, the Dow slipped 0.11%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite lost 0.06% and 0.32%, respectively.
Oil prices jumped sharply as ongoing tensions in the Middle East continued to unsettle markets, driving Treasury yields higher and stoking concerns that the Federal Reserve may be forced to raise interest rates again, despite emerging signs of a cooling labor market. Investors are now focused on key inflation data due later this week for further guidance on the policy outlook.
On the corporate front, quarterly results are expected today from Cardinal Health, CoreWeave, Super Micro Computer and several other companies.
