US futures moved slightly lower on Friday after President Donald Trump prolonged a pause on planned military action against Iran’s energy sector. Uncertainty surrounding prospects for a peace agreement limited stock gains and contributed to a continued surge in oil prices.
At 4:24 p.m. (Bangkok Time), Dow Jones Industrial Average futures decreased by 0.17%, futures tied to the S&P 500 slid 0.14%, and Nasdaq 100 futures retreated by 0.23%.
Concerns over ongoing fighting in the Middle East supported oil’s upward momentum. On Friday, Brent crude oil prices traded at $103.45 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate approached $96.10, reflecting heightened investor caution over further disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest moves in global markets followed President Trump’s announcement to push back the deadline for strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure to April 6. This new postponement comes about a week after a previously established date for resuming military operations.
The administration’s announcement signaled an adjustment in its approach to the conflict, which some view as an attempt to reduce tensions. Nevertheless, market volatility persisted as reports suggested that Iranian officials have yet to agree to direct talks with the U.S., despite continuing to review offers put forward by Washington.
Market participants have been closely monitoring the developments, as an end to the current hostilities could help equities recover from losses sustained since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian energy assets at the end of February.
