US stock futures were broadly unchanged as investors assessed developments in the US-Iran conflict, the interest-rate outlook and corporate updates ahead of Friday’s US labour market report.
By 03:50 ET, S&P 500 Futures were unchanged at 7,671.1 points. Nasdaq 100 Futures were also little changed at 29,211.25, while Dow Jones Futures stood at 53,195.
The moves followed a positive Wall Street session as US equities recovered from declines at the beginning of September. Attention remained focused on Friday’s labour market data and its potential implications for Federal Reserve monetary policy.
Oil Prices Ease After Three Sessions of Gains
Oil prices moved lower in Asian trading on Thursday after three consecutive sessions of increases as markets assessed developments in the US-Iran conflict.
Brent crude futures declined 0.4% to $95.25 a barrel, while WTI crude futures fell 0.2% to $90.80. Both contracts had gained almost 1% on Wednesday and reached their highest levels in approximately five weeks.
The decline followed comments from US President Donald Trump that renewed attacks on Iran would not last long. US officials also reported a recovery in energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway remained in focus because of its role in global energy shipments.
Iran Reports Strikes on US Bases in Kuwait
Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting US bases in Kuwait, according to a report from state-run Press TV late Wednesday.
The Kuwaiti Armed Forces said its air defence systems were intercepting “hostile targets,” without identifying their origin.
The reported attacks followed US strikes against targets in Iran near the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent Iranian drone and missile attacks against US infrastructure across the Gulf.
Market participants continued to monitor the conflict and its potential impact on energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Fed Officials Comment on Interest-Rate Outlook
New York Fed President John Williams said higher long-term bond yields reflected the strength of the US economy rather than inflation concerns.
Williams told CNBC that increased borrowing costs were being driven by the economic outlook, supported in part by investment in artificial intelligence, data centres and technology.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller was also scheduled to speak later on Thursday ahead of the central bank’s next monetary policy decision.
Broadcom Revenue Guidance Comes in Below Wall Street Forecast
Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) forecast fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of approximately $34.8 billion, below the Wall Street consensus estimate of about $35.05 billion.
The semiconductor company projected AI chip sales of $21.7 billion, compared with expectations of approximately $21.33 billion.
Broadcom’s reported results were broadly in line with Wall Street forecasts, according to the source material, while its overall fourth-quarter revenue guidance was below the analyst consensus.