Trump Says Iran Talks to Begin as Strait of Hormuz Deal Nears, Oil Prices Fall 
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Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Iran Talk Uncertainty Keeps Markets on Edge 
Gold Ends July Higher as Weaker Dollar Offsets Fed Inflation Concerns 
China PMI Contracts in July as Weak Demand and Typhoons Weigh on Economy 
Japan Confirms Coordinated Yen Intervention With U.S., Signals More Action if Needed 
Oil Prices Head for 20% Monthly Surge as Middle East Supply Risks Persist 
KOSPI Drops Nearly 5% as Samsung, SK Hynix Lead AI Stock Selloff 
US Stock Futures Rise as AI Optimism Lifts Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon While Apple Slips 
Dollar Posts Worst Monthly Loss Since April as Fed Uncertainty and Yen Intervention Shake FX Markets 
UK Economy Faces 2027 Recession Risk if Strait of Hormuz Stays Closed, EY Warns 
U.S. stock index futures edged higher late Monday after President Donald Trump reiterated that negotiations with Iran were continuing, despite Tehran denying that direct talks with Washington were taking place. Investors also shifted their attention to a packed week of corporate earnings and key U.S. economic data, including the July nonfarm payrolls report.
As of 20:14 ET (00:14 GMT), S&P 500 Futures gained 0.07% to 7,634.25, Nasdaq 100 Futures climbed 0.14% to 28,931.75, and Dow Jones Futures advanced 0.18% to 53,432. The gains followed a strong Wall Street session, with the major indexes rising between 1% and 2.3% after oil prices tumbled.
Market sentiment improved after President Trump said the U.S. had canceled a planned major attack on Iran over the weekend, easing fears of an immediate escalation in the Middle East. Although Trump maintained on Monday that discussions with Iran were ongoing and urged Tehran to accept a deal, Iranian officials continued to reject claims of direct negotiations with Washington. Instead, Iran confirmed it was working with Oman on discussions related to the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping activity remains limited amid heightened regional tensions.
The sharp decline in crude oil prices helped boost investor confidence, while technology and artificial intelligence stocks rebounded after recent weakness. Palantir Technologies was among the standout performers in after-hours trading, soaring nearly 14% after reporting stronger-than-expected earnings for the June quarter.
Investors are now preparing for several high-profile earnings releases. SpaceX is scheduled to publish its first quarterly results as a publicly listed company on Tuesday, making it one of the week's most anticipated reports. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Caterpillar, and Merck & Co. are also set to release quarterly earnings, offering further insight into corporate performance across key sectors.
Beyond earnings, attention will turn to the July U.S. nonfarm payrolls report later this week. The employment data is expected to provide fresh clues about the strength of the labor market and could influence expectations for the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decisions, making it one of the most closely watched economic releases of the month.
