US Stock Futures Steady as Oil Prices Ease, Iran Talks Boost Market Sentiment

U.S. stock index futures were little changed late Thursday after Wall Street closed higher, supported by easing oil prices and renewed optimism that diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran could help reduce geopolitical tensions.

S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1% to 7,578.75, Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.3% to 29,829.75, while Dow Jones futures were largely unchanged at 52,738.0 during evening trading.

The major U.S. indexes ended Thursday's regular session in positive territory, with technology stocks driving gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3%, the S&P 500 rose 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.3%, recovering losses from the previous trading day.

Investor sentiment improved after President Donald Trump said Iran had approached the United States about potential negotiations, raising hopes that recent military tensions could eventually give way to diplomatic discussions. The comments eased concerns over possible disruptions to global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for crude exports.

Oil prices retreated after sharp gains earlier in the week, reducing fears that higher energy costs could fuel inflation and complicate the Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook.

Technology and semiconductor stocks outperformed as optimism surrounding artificial intelligence demand continued to strengthen. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index climbed roughly 3% for a second consecutive session, extending a strong rally across chipmakers and AI-related companies.

On the economic front, fresh data showed initial jobless claims edged down to 215,000, signaling that the U.S. labor market remains relatively resilient. However, separate reports continued to point to weakness in the housing sector, highlighting mixed economic conditions.

Meanwhile, minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting reinforced policymakers' concerns that inflation risks remain elevated, suggesting interest rates could stay higher for longer if price pressures persist.

Investors are now turning their attention to the upcoming second-quarter earnings season, with major U.S. banks scheduled to report results next week. The earnings releases are expected to provide fresh insight into corporate profitability and the broader health of the U.S. economy, helping shape the next direction for Wall Street and U.S. stock markets.