Bond.az - Futures linked to the main US stock indices point lower, while oil prices rise, after a fresh exchange of strikes between the US and Iran dented hopes for an imminent peace deal. Meanwhile, a key inflation indicator closely monitored by the Federal Reserve is set to be released.
1. Futures drop. US stock futures sank on Thursday as investors assessed signs of increased hostilities in the Gulf region. Dow futures fell 53 points, S&P 500 futures declined 11 points, and Nasdaq 100 futures were lower by 99 points.
2. US and Iran exchange fresh strikes. The US military carried out more strikes in Iran following drone attacks by Iran on commercial ships. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it struck a US base and vowed retaliation.
3. Oil edges up. Brent crude rose 2.8% to $96.95 a barrel. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused global energy supply constraints.
4. US PCE due. The April personal consumption expenditures price index will be released. Headline PCE is expected to accelerate to 3.8%.
5. SpaceX-Anthropic compute deal initially for 180-day lease, Musk says. SpaceX's deal to provide Anthropic with computing power is for an initial lease of 180 days with no long-term commitments.
