US Stock Futures Rise as Iran Talks Ease Oil Fears Ahead of Key Inflation Data

U.S. stock futures moved sharply higher Monday night after Wall Street reopened from the Memorial Day holiday, as optimism surrounding renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations boosted investor confidence and pushed oil prices lower.

S&P 500 Futures gained 0.6% to 7,538 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures jumped 0.9% to 29,808.75. Dow Jones Futures also climbed 0.6% to 50,966 by 20:10 ET. The rally reflected improving market sentiment after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled progress in diplomatic talks with Iran.

Trump stated that negotiations with Tehran were “proceeding nicely” and suggested that both sides had largely agreed on a memorandum of understanding. The potential agreement could eventually reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes for crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

The prospect of restored energy flows triggered a sharp decline in oil prices. Brent crude futures fell more than 7% on Monday, trading near $96 per barrel, while WTI crude futures dropped about 6% in Asian trading to around $90 per barrel. Lower oil prices helped ease inflation concerns that had recently pressured global equity markets.

Despite the optimism, investor caution remained after reports emerged that the U.S. military carried out additional strikes in southern Iran targeting missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels. Officials described the operations as defensive actions that did not signal an end to the current ceasefire efforts.

Markets are also closely watching upcoming U.S. economic data for clues on Federal Reserve interest rate policy. Attention is centered on Thursday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation indicator.

Last week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at another record high, although concerns over Treasury yields and the future path of interest rates continue to influence Wall Street trading sentiment in 2026.