U.S. Dollar Reaches One-Year High as Tech Sell-Off and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Support Demand 
Bessent Says U.S. Must Strengthen Supply Chains and Economic Security 
White House Seeks $87.6 Billion Emergency Funding for Iran War, Farmers, and Ebola Response 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
BOJ Hawk Signals Faster Interest Rate Hikes Amid Inflation Risks 
Gold Prices Rise Above $4,000 as Inflation Data and Weaker Dollar Boost Demand 
Trump Requests $11 Billion More in Farm Aid as Rising Costs Pressure U.S. Farmers 
Iran Attack in Strait of Hormuz Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
S&P Affirms Brazil’s BB Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Challenges 
Asian Stocks Sink as Apple Price Hikes Spark AI Valuation Fears, South Korea and Japan Lead Selloff 
Oil Prices Rebound as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Return After Ship Attack Near Oman 
South Korea’s KOSPI Jumps Over 5% as Samsung, SK Hynix Rally on Micron Earnings Boost 
Asian Markets Rally as Micron and Qualcomm AI Outlook Lifts Global Tech Stocks 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
U.S. stock futures were mostly unchanged Monday night following a slightly negative close on Wall Street, as investors remained cautious amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran ahead of a potential ceasefire deadline. Market participants are closely tracking geopolitical developments while preparing for key economic data and corporate earnings that could influence near-term direction.
S&P 500 Futures rose modestly by 0.1% to 7,155.0 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures gained 0.2% to 26,808.75. Dow Jones Futures also edged up 0.1% to 49,708.0. Despite these small gains in after-hours trading, sentiment remains fragile after the major indexes ended lower during the regular session. The S&P 500 declined around 0.2%, the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average also closed slightly in the red, breaking a recent winning streak.
Investor uncertainty has been fueled by rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Iran’s move to re-close the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend raised concerns about global oil supply disruptions, pushing oil prices sharply higher. Additional tension followed reports that the U.S. seized an Iranian cargo vessel, prompting threats of retaliation from Tehran. Mixed signals surrounding possible peace negotiations in Pakistan have added to the uncertainty, with doubts lingering about Iran’s participation.
Market attention is now turning to diplomatic talks scheduled in Islamabad, where U.S. officials are expected to engage in another round of discussions aimed at easing tensions. However, the lack of clear commitment from Iranian leaders continues to weigh on investor confidence.
Beyond geopolitics, traders are watching the upcoming confirmation hearing of Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh. His stance on monetary policy and central bank independence could have significant implications for interest rates and broader market conditions.
Investors are also bracing for a busy earnings calendar, with major companies such as UnitedHealth, GE Aerospace, 3M, and Halliburton set to report. Additionally, March retail sales data will be closely analyzed for insights into consumer spending trends amid rising energy costs, making it a crucial factor for market outlook.
