Futures tracking US equities were little changed on Monday, hovering near last session’s record highs amid persistent optimism over a potential resumption of energy exports from the Middle East. Contracts linked to the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq were all broadly flat.
Market sentiment was supported by reports that Iran is prepared to allow vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade, a move that could reopen the flow of tanker-based energy exports from the region.
Shares of large-cap technology “hyperscalers” were subdued ahead of earnings due Wednesday and Thursday from Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple. The sector is expected to detail increased AI-related investment and update forward guidance, set against a backdrop of growing skepticism toward unchecked capital expenditure growth.
In single-stock moves, Qualcomm jumped 10% following reports it is collaborating with OpenAI and MediaTek to develop next-generation smartphone processors.
Meanwhile, bank and asset management shares were largely flat as investors awaited the likely confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve.
