Nasdaq futures fall 0.7% after chipmakers disappoint, while S&P 500 e-minis edge up 0.1% amid earnings optimism.
European equities surged to fresh highs on Thursday, with the STOXX 600 reaching an all-time peak as media and telecom stocks led gains. The index rose 0.4% by midday, while the FTSE 100 and CAC 40 climbed 0.2% and 0.7%, respectively. Sentiment improved after a cautious start to the week, driven by strong corporate earnings and easing geopolitical concerns over U.S.-Iran tensions.
Wall Street futures pointed to a mixed open, however, as Nasdaq e-minis dropped 0.7% following disappointing results from chipmakers. S&P 500 e-minis inched up 0.1%, reflecting a split in investor sentiment. Overnight losses in U.S. and Asian markets were attributed to profit-taking after a recent rally, though analysts described the pullback as a temporary correction.
Traders remain focused on earnings reports and AI-related spending trends, which have fueled record highs in recent sessions. The rebound in Europe suggests cautious optimism, but U.S. tech stocks face pressure after underwhelming guidance from key players in the semiconductor sector.