S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq futures are attempting to remain positive today following tensions between Iran and Israel.
- S&P 500 futures fall amid tensions in the Middle East.
- Bitcoin rises 2,24% while VIX surges nearly 40%.
- Markets await US inflation data.
US stock futures opened the week under pressure following reports that Iran had launched missiles at Israel, increasing investor concerns about the stability of the ceasefire in the region and boosting the search for safe havens in global markets.
At the start of trading, Dow Jones futures were down at 50.846 points, registering a 0,18% drop. S&P 500 futures were trading at 7.410,50 points, up 0,14%, while Nasdaq futures advanced 0,55% to 29.185 points. The Russell 2000 index also showed a 0,14% increase, reaching 2.838,90 points.
Despite the partial recovery seen in some futures contracts, the overall sentiment remained cautious. One of the main signs of this concern came from the VIX index, known as Wall Street's "fear gauge," which surged 39,68%, reaching 21,51 points.
Asia-Pacific stock markets opened sharply lower on Monday. The worst performer was South Korea, where the Kospi index plummeted 8,4%. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 fell 3,4%, reflecting increased risk aversion in international markets.
The new episode of tension occurred after a publication by the president of the Iranian Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, criticizing measures taken by the United States and alleged violations of agreements related to Lebanon. Shortly afterward, reports of a missile attack emerged, reigniting investor concerns.
The market movement came after a difficult week for US stocks. On Friday, the Nasdaq recorded its biggest drop since April 2025, while the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones closed sharply lower.
The employment data released in the United States also contributed to the increased volatility. The report showed a more resilient economy than expected, raising yields on US Treasury bonds and reinforcing expectations of high interest rates for a longer period.
“The stock market may be becoming a victim of its own success,” said Callie Cox, chief market strategist at Ritholtz Wealth Management. “The labor market has recovered, but the threat of persistently high inflation seems to be the risk looming on everyone’s mind.”
“Growth and dynamism have surpassed almost everything since the March lows,” she added. “This is not what one would expect in an environment of high interest rates and high inflation, and these strategies may be subject to disappointment if cost pressures remain high.”
Among the assets monitored by investors, gold was trading at US$4.359,30 per ounce, down slightly by 0,14%. Brent crude oil, on the other hand, rose 2,51%, reaching US$95,43 per barrel, a movement associated with concerns about possible impacts on global energy supply.
In the cryptocurrency market, the Bitcoin showed signs of recovery and was trading at US$62.816,49, registering a 2,24% increase. The performance of the largest cryptocurrency on the market has drawn attention amid the volatility seen in traditional assets.
Investors' attention is now focused on the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) data. Wall Street will be closely watching these indicators, while the market also prepares for the highly anticipated public debut of SpaceX, considered one of the largest offerings in American market history.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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