Live Updates: Dow Futures Slide 100 Points Amid Trump’s Consideration of Iran Strike

Traders were busy on the New York Stock Exchange recently, but a lot is happening that could shake things up. Right now, stock futures are looking down. Investors are watching the rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel.

Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average have dipped by 154 points, which is about 0.3%. The Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 futures are both down by 0.2%. Regular trading in the U.S. paused on Thursday due to the Juneteenth holiday.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is a major concern. Recently, President Trump suggested possible U.S. military involvement, saying he would make a final decision in two weeks. Trump has demanded Iran’s total surrender, a stance that Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, dismissed as "ridiculous."

Oil prices are on the rise, too. Both Brent and U.S. crude oil jumped about 3% as fears of U.S. intervention grow. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is also pushing for strikes on key Iranian sites.

LPL Financial’s chief equity strategist, Jeff Buchbinder, emphasizes that the market’s reaction hinges on several questions: How much of Iran’s energy infrastructure will be affected? Will Iran’s nuclear capabilities be eliminated? And what will this mean for the current Iranian regime?

Compounding this unrest, investors are also digesting comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. He recently stated that the Fed is not rushing to cut interest rates, which left stocks closing lower on the day. Trump has criticized Powell again, claiming delays in rate cuts are costing the U.S. hundreds of billions.

In terms of market performance, the S&P 500 has seen a slight weekly gain of 0.07%, while the Dow is down by 0.06%. The Nasdaq, however, has managed to edge up around 1%.

Looking ahead, the Philadelphia Fed’s manufacturing survey is set to be released soon, alongside economic indicators for May from the Conference Board. As these details emerge, the market will continue to respond to the ever-changing dynamics, both abroad and at home.

For further insights on the implications of geopolitical events on markets, check out resources from NPR or the Federal Reserve.

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