U.S. stock index futures edged higher Thursday evening after Wall Street closed slightly higher, as investors balanced upbeat corporate earnings against uncertainty over U.S.-Iran talks.
S&P 500 futures rose 0.3% to 7,484.75 points. Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.4% to 29,571.75 points. Dow futures traded 0.2% higher at 50,480.0 points.
Wall Street ended a choppy session modestly higher. The Dow rose 0.6% to a record closing high. The S&P 500 gained 0.2%, while the Nasdaq edged up 0.1%.
Hopes for diplomatic progress in the Middle East helped sentiment recover late in the session. However, U.S. and Iranian officials remained divided on key issues, including Iran's uranium stockpile and controls in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Supreme Leader insisted on retaining enriched uranium. Disputes also emerged over a proposed toll system for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any tolling arrangement would derail negotiations. He noted some good signs but cautioned against excessive optimism.
Oil prices rebounded nearly 1.5% in Asian trading on Friday amid doubts about the talks.
After the bell, Workday surged 11%, Zoom rose 8%, Ross Stores jumped 6%, and Take-Two gained 7% on strong earnings.
