US stock futures opened mixed Thursday as Wall Street weighed ongoing Middle East tensions against a recent rebound, while a surprising tech rally grabbed investor attention.
Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.1%, while Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 contracts hovered slightly above flat, reflecting caution after a strong session on Wednesday. The Dow snapped a three-day losing streak, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ended the day with modest gains.
Middle East Conflict Remains Market’s Centerpiece
Investors remain focused on the sixth day of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which shows no immediate sign of slowing. According to the New York Times, Iran has reached out to President Trump for potential ceasefire discussions, but uncertainty continues to drive volatility.
Trump declared Wednesday that the US is “doing very well on the war front,” with over 2,000 targets struck and progress toward “complete and total control of Iranian airspace,” according to the White House.
The geopolitical unrest has already impacted oil markets, with concerns over Iran’s reduced production pushing prices higher. West Texas Intermediate futures traded around $76 per barrel, while Brent crude held above $82, although supply worries eased after Trump offered insurance guarantees and naval escorts for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts warn that surging oil prices could influence Federal Reserve policy and broader market stability, keeping investors alert ahead of Friday’s monthly jobs report, which is expected to provide fresh insight into US economic health.
Trade Desk Soars on OpenAI Collaboration Speculation
Tech investors got a jolt before the bell when Trade Desk (TTD) shares surged 19% after reports from The Information suggested that OpenAI is in early talks to partner with the ad-tech platform.
Trade Desk, which automates ad placement on a large scale, had lost more than 60% of its value last year due to slower growth. A potential partnership with OpenAI, which has 920 million users, could bolster its advertising business as OpenAI explores monetization options.
OpenAI is reportedly scaling back e-commerce ambitions within ChatGPT, shifting from in-app purchases to integrating checkouts via partner apps, signaling a more measured approach to revenue generation while leveraging external partners like Trade Desk.
Earnings and Market Outlook
While earnings season has slowed, Costco (COST) and Marvell Technology (MRVL) are slated to release results after the close Thursday, keeping investors alert to corporate guidance.
Analysts caution that geopolitical shocks, oil price fluctuations, and labor market data could continue to sway markets in the near term, even as tech stocks provide occasional sparks of optimism.
“Volatility is the name of the game,” said a Wall Street strategist. “The Middle East conflict is dictating macro sentiment, but individual stock catalysts like Trade Desk show that opportunities still exist amid uncertainty.”
Bottom Line: Markets remain cautious but resilient, balancing geopolitical risks with tech-driven rallies. Investors are bracing for more turbulence, with the jobs report, earnings, and Middle East developments likely to dictate the near-term trajectory.