Wall Street Futures Rise Ahead of JOLTS Data, Nike Earnings, and U.S.-Iran Talks

U.S. stock futures moved modestly higher on Tuesday as investors prepared for the final trading session of the first half and second quarter of 2026, with attention centered on key economic data, Nike’s earnings report, and renewed diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran.

As of 03:10 ET (07:10 GMT), Dow Jones futures climbed 39 points, or 0.1%, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 0.2%. The upbeat start followed Monday’s rally, driven by a strong rebound in technology and semiconductor stocks after last week’s sharp selloff linked to concerns over artificial intelligence infrastructure spending.

The S&P 500 snapped a five-session losing streak and remains on track to record its strongest quarterly performance since the post-pandemic recovery six years ago. Investor sentiment also improved after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook could remain in office, easing concerns over political pressure on the central bank, although questions about the Fed’s independence persist.

Markets are also closely watching developments in the Middle East. President Donald Trump said U.S. officials would meet Iranian representatives in Qatar, although Tehran has not confirmed the talks. Reports indicate U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Doha, where discussions with Qatari officials and mediators are expected. Technical teams from both countries may also participate in separate negotiations.

The diplomatic efforts come after Washington and Tehran reportedly agreed to halt attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, helping reduce geopolitical tensions and bringing Brent crude prices back to around $73 per barrel after recent volatility.

On the economic front, investors await the U.S. Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for May. Economists expect job openings to decline to 7.28 million from April’s 7.62 million, offering fresh insight into labor market conditions ahead of Friday’s closely watched nonfarm payrolls report.

The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index is also scheduled for release, providing another important gauge of household sentiment and economic resilience. Both reports could influence expectations for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path as policymakers continue monitoring inflation and employment trends.

Corporate earnings will also be in focus, with Nike set to report quarterly results after the closing bell. Investors will closely examine the sportswear giant’s financial performance and forward guidance for evidence that CEO Elliott Hill’s turnaround strategy is gaining traction.

Nike previously warned that quarterly revenue could decline between 2% and 4%, citing weaker demand across major markets including China, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Earlier this month, the company appointed former Pfizer executive David Denton as chief financial officer, reinforcing its efforts to improve operational discipline and restore long-term growth.

Meanwhile, fresh economic data from China offered a mixed picture. The country’s official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.3 in June from 50.0 in May, slightly beating forecasts of 50.2 and signaling modest expansion. The improvement was supported by stronger exports and continued investment in artificial intelligence.

However, analysts noted that domestic demand and consumer spending remain weak, limiting the pace of recovery. With tensions between the U.S. and Iran easing and oil prices retreating, the export boost from earlier geopolitical uncertainty could also fade in the coming months, leaving China’s manufacturing sector facing ongoing headwinds.