Tech news in 3 minutes

Stock futures are steady as investors weigh Iran, Hormuz deal prospects

1 h ago

**US Stock Futures Flat as Investors Weigh Strait of Hormuz Progress vs Iran Tensions, Await Inflation Data** Stock futures were little changed in overnight trading Monday, with the main entity being US equity index futures as investors balanced signs of progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz against lingering doubts over a broader US-Iran resolution. This SEO-focused news summary targets search intent for market updates, geopolitical impact on oil prices, and Federal Reserve policy signals. The core news point: Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell 37 points, S&P 500 futures edged lower, and Nasdaq 100 futures traded near flatline, reflecting uncertainty over Middle East conflict and key inflation data due this week. In Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index futures rose slightly, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 futures were little changed; Japan markets were closed for a holiday. The S&P 500 ended Monday little changed as the Middle East conflict weighed on sentiment. Iran said it is nearing a deal with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz but continues to resist direct US negotiations until conditions are met, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Oil prices jumped Monday, with West Texas Intermediate crude settling 5.1% higher at $82.13 a barrel and Brent crude rising 5% to $87.72. Investors now focus on July consumer price index data Wednesday and producer price index Thursday, which could complicate the Federal Reserve’s outlook after a weak jobs report. Fed funds futures traders see a 50% chance of a September rate hike, down from 67% last week. “The silver lining of a weaker July labor report is that it likely gives policymakers some breathing room to keep interest rates steady,” said Brent Schutte, CIO at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. On the earnings front, Cardinal Health, On Holdings, Cava Group, CoreWeave, and Super Micro Computer report Tuesday.