U.S. equity futures presented a divided picture on Friday, with technology sector momentum offset by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Market participants also remained focused on the upcoming second-quarter earnings season, set to commence next week.
At 4:48 p.m. (Bangkok Time), S&P 500 futures slipped 0.10%, and Nasdaq 100 futures fell by 0.39%, while futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved 0.10% higher. This followed gains in Thursday’s regular session, where the Nasdaq Composite advanced by 1.3%, the S&P 500 gained 0.8%, and the Dow jumped 0.3%.
The latest market rally drew support from falling energy prices after President Donald Trump indicated Iran had initiated talks to resolve tensions. According to officials from Qatar and Pakistan, both countries are working to mediate new discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials, as reported by MS Now.
On Friday, oil benchmarks eased, with Brent crude declining 0.20% to $76.15 per barrel and WTI slipping 0.25% to $71.90, amid reduced fears of supply interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Market watchers also turned their attention to SK Hynix’s Nasdaq debut scheduled for later in the day. The South Korean chipmaker finalized its U.S. ADR offering at $149 per share, securing approximately $26.5 billion and marking one of the largest semiconductor listings to date. The issue price stands about 3% above its most recent Seoul-listed close, and Reuters noted the ADR offering drew demand over seven times its available shares.
Gains among semiconductor firms contributed to U.S. equity advances, reinforcing optimism among investors that solid corporate earnings could broaden the current market rally beyond the technology sector.
Second-quarter earnings season opens fully next week, though Delta Air Lines will post results today. Analysts expect the airline’s adjusted earnings per share to reach $1.51 on total revenue of $17.53 billion, which includes projected passenger and cargo revenues of $15.63 billion and approximately $231.6 million, respectively.
Investor focus will be on management commentary for any indications regarding consumer travel demand and implications for the economic outlook.
