U.S. Equity Futures Mixed Ahead of Trump Speech

U.S. equity futures fell sharply on Thursday after President Donald Trump warned in a national address that Washington would “hit" Iran “extremely hard” within two to three weeks, even suggesting the country could be pushed into the “Stone Ages.” Still, Trump noted that core objectives in the conflict were nearing completion, urging allies to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while stressing the US no longer “needs it.” The cautious tone followed Wednesday’s strong session, when Wall Street extended gains as oil retreated below USD 100 per barrel. Travel, mining, and technology shares advanced, led by SanDisk Corp., which surged about 9%. Gold miners such as AngloGold Ashanti and Newmont climbed as bullion rose for a fourth straight day. On the downside, Nike sank more than 15% on a weak outlook, while energy stocks softened with crude. Trading wraps Thursday ahead of the Good Friday closure, with jobless claims in focus before March’s payrolls report Friday.

U.S. stock futures were mixed on Thursday morning after Wall Street’s extended gain Wednesday, as traders awaited President Donald Trump’s remarks on the war with Iran later today. Trump signaled the US would consider a ceasefire “when the Strait of Hormuz is open, free, and clear,” and added that US forces could leave Iran within two to three weeks, sparking a retreat in oil prices. Tech names Western Digital and SanDisk paced S&P 500 gainers, while Boeing and Caterpillar led the Dow. SpaceX confidentially filed for an initial public offering, according to Reuters, sending space stocks higher. Thursday will mark the final session of the shortened week, with markets closed for Good Friday. Investors will watch initial jobless claims for the week ending March 28, while March’s employment report is due Friday morning.

The Dow Jones Index went up by 234 points or 0.50 percent on Wednesday to close at 46575 points. The rise was led by Boeing (4.25%), Caterpillar (3.11%) and Goldman Sachs (1.79%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were Nike (-15.32%), Chevron (-4.50%) and Verizon (-1.57%).