U.S. equity futures posted gains Friday, with traders attentive to upcoming disclosures regarding President Donald Trump’s strategy to exert economic pressure on Iran. Despite a modest rebound, markets remained unsettled after efforts to stabilize Treasury yields failed to reassure investors.
At 4:41 p.m. (Bangkok Time), S&P 500 futures rose by 0.29%, while Nasdaq-100 futures gained 0.45%. Dow futures also moved up, increasing 0.35%.
This advance followed a session where both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each dropped near 1%, drawing weekly losses to 1.9% for the S&P 500 and 2.5% for the Nasdaq. With these declines, both indices risk ending their three-week winning streaks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has retreated 1.8% since Monday, setting up consecutive weekly declines.
Recent selling in equities came as yields on long-term U.S. Treasuries climbed anew, despite the Treasury Department’s decision to accelerate bond buybacks. This policy move has not allayed market concerns over persistent inflation pressures.
Investors are now awaiting a Monday press conference, in which U.S. officials are expected to outline specific measures aimed at increasing economic isolation of Iran. Earlier statements from Trump had warned of severe consequences for any nation engaging in trade with Iran, drawing attention to China’s energy imports from the region.
In addition, participants are monitoring several events next week, including the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole Symposium and earnings results from Nvidia. Closer at hand, Friday brings the release of S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index, offering updated readings on U.S. manufacturing and service sectors.
Forthcoming results from BJ’s Wholesale Club will also be watched for signs of consumer strain, following cautionary signals from other retailers in recent days.
