Investors await Wednesday’s inflation report and Middle East developments after futures show muted movement near record highs.
US stock futures showed little change early Monday as traders awaited key inflation data and earnings reports. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dipped 0.1%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures edged higher following last week’s gains. Markets remain near all-time highs but are cautious ahead of Wednesday’s Consumer Price Index release.
Brent crude futures rose to $84 per barrel amid speculation Iran may soon reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Federal Reserve officials remain divided on rate hikes, balancing Middle East oil shocks against a weaker-than-expected jobs report. Over 80% of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings, though AI infrastructure firms like Super Micro Computer and CoreWeave are still pending.
The Fed has signaled readiness to act if inflation surprises to the upside, keeping markets in a holding pattern. Light earnings activity this week may shift focus to macroeconomic data and geopolitical risks.