Dow and S&P 500 futures edge higher while Nasdaq 100 dips ahead of the Fed’s rate decision and escalating regional conflicts.
Dow Jones futures rose 0.11% to 53,000 in European trading, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.16% to near 7,480. Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.17% to 27,870 as investors weighed geopolitical risks and monetary policy uncertainty.
Traders adopted a cautious stance amid renewed Middle East hostilities, including drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities and US military responses. The Fed’s policy announcement is expected to hold rates steady, though markets price a 31.5% chance of an immediate cut.
Geopolitical tensions escalated after Iran-backed militias targeted energy infrastructure, prompting US airstrikes in Iraq. The Fed’s decision remains the focal point for markets, with sentiment fragile ahead of the announcement.