Investors weigh record S&P 500 highs against stalled U.S.-Iran talks, pushing Brent crude to $84 amid Middle East tensions.
The S&P 500 closed at a record high last week, capping its strongest performance since April, as a weaker-than-expected July jobs report fueled bets the Federal Reserve may pause rate hikes. Futures pointed to modest gains Monday, with the S&P 500 up 0.12% and Nasdaq-100 rising 0.38%, while Dow Jones futures remained near flat.
Markets now price a 44% chance of a September rate increase, down from 67% a week ago. Meanwhile, Brent crude traded near $84 a barrel, up over 1%, as Iran’s foreign minister declared talks with Washington stalled, citing unresolved breaches of a June agreement.
Tehran also outlined conditions for restoring access through the Strait of Hormuz, including a full U.S. troop withdrawal and sanctions relief, adding to regional uncertainty.