U.S. futures saw marginal movement on Friday, with investors displaying caution as geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran persisted. Market participants remained attentive to both diplomatic progress in the Middle East and upcoming US economic reports.
At 4:18 p.m. (Bangkok Time), contracts tied to the S&P 500 edged down by 0.16%, while Nasdaq 100 futures slid 0.17%. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures declined 0.22%.
A fragile two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has shifted investor attention to early diplomatic initiatives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel signaled a willingness to engage in talks with Lebanon after Iranian authorities accused Israel of violating the truce and responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz. In response to recent developments, President Donald Trump reiterated warnings to Tehran amid reports that Iranian officials would impose tolls on vessels transiting the crucial shipping route.
Earlier this week, the White House issued a two-weeks extension to its deadline for Iran to resume unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing Middle East conflict, currently in its fifth week, has led to the blockage of this key maritime corridor.
Diplomatic negotiations are scheduled for the upcoming weekend after senior U.S. officials asked Israel to limit its military actions in Lebanon during a call with Israeli leadership on Wednesday. Israel, in its official statement, noted that no formal ceasefire agreement exists with Lebanon.
Investors also anticipate pivotal US economic indicators. The March consumer price index is expected to improve 0.9% monthly and 3.3% annually, according to a Dow Jones survey of economists. Reports on durable goods and factory orders are set for release as well.
