US stock futures edged lower on Thursday as investors assessed results from major technology companies for evidence that heavy AI spending is driving faster growth. Alphabet dropped nearly 5% in after-hours trading after it lifted its full-year capital expenditure forecast, even as cloud revenue topped expectations. Tesla fell short of earnings estimates, while IBM cut its full-year sales outlook.
Oil prices were also in focus, with escalating tensions in the Middle East and waning hopes for US–Iran peace talks heightening supply concerns. In Wednesday’s regular session, the S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, the Nasdaq 100 declined 0.5%, and the Dow Jones posted a modest loss. Software stocks led the pullback, most chipmakers recovered some ground, and financials were mixed.
Investors now look ahead to earnings from Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon for further signs that large-scale AI investments are starting to translate into meaningful returns.
