S&P 500 index futures fall 0.3%

The S&P 500 index futures declined 0.3% on Thursday, extending losses following a mixed session the previous day. The move came as investor concerns over U.S.-Iran tensions eased, though market participants remained cautious ahead of key economic data and corporate earnings. The broader market had rebounded on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 closing up 0.8% and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 1.3%, driven by gains in technology and semiconductor stocks such as Nvidia, Broadcom, and Intel. However, sectors like consumer staples, energy, and materials lagged, reflecting uneven performance across the index.

Oil prices stabilized, with U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rising 0.13% and Brent crude ending flat, as fears of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz diminished after President Trump announced plans to provide risk insurance and escorts for ships in the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Trump's 15% global tariff, announced earlier in the week, is expected to take effect soon, adding to macroeconomic uncertainties.

Investors are also awaiting earnings reports from retailers including Kroger, Burlington, and Costco, as well as weekly jobless claims data, which could influence market sentiment. The decline in futures highlights ongoing volatility amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, policy developments, and sector-specific earnings reactions.