U.S. stock futures were slightly weaker ahead of Wednesday’s open as investors assessed higher crude prices, rising Treasury yields and fresh geopolitical risks. The moves added pressure to risk assets after a volatile start to September.
At 4:24 p.m. (Bangkok Time), Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average were down 0.11%. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.22%, while Nasdaq 100 contracts declined 0.49%.
Oil remained a central focus for markets. Brent crude climbed to $94.92 a barrel on Wednesday, while West Texas Intermediate rose past $90, its highest level since late July. The latest move followed additional U.S. military strikes on Iran and renewed concern that hostilities could broaden.
President Trump warned Iran of a stronger U.S. response if it retaliated against Tuesday’s airstrikes. The escalation has heightened inflation concerns, contributing to a rise in government bond yields.
Treasury yields moved higher Tuesday, with the 10-year note reaching 4.79% and the 30-year bond rising to 5.27%. Those levels weighed across asset classes as investors reassessed interest rate and inflation risks.
Trade tensions with Canada also stayed on investors’ radar. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated talks could restart if U.S. officials adopted a more serious negotiating stance. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, played down the view that Washington and Ottawa were engaged in a trade war.
Wednesday’s economic calendar includes ADP private payrolls data for August, factory earnings figures and the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book. After the closing bell, investors will review results from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Snowflake and Broadcom.
