Why are US stock market futures rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red? Wall street futures move, analysts insights and market outlook explained

Why are US stock market futures rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red has become a key topic for investors as markets react to several economic and geopolitical developments. Futures tied to the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average moved slightly higher in late trading, while futures linked to the Nasdaq-100 slipped. The mixed movement comes after losses during the regular trading session and reflects caution among traders. Rising oil prices following comments from Mojtaba Khamenei about the Strait of Hormuz added pressure to markets. Investors are also waiting for the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index report, which may influence interest rate decisions by the Federal Reserve and shape the direction of the US stock market.

Why are US stock market futures rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red?

Why are US stock market futures rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red is linked to mixed investor sentiment driven by oil prices, global tension, and upcoming inflation data. Futures tied to the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average moved slightly higher as some investors expect stable economic data and continued demand in industrial and energy sectors. At the same time, futures for the Nasdaq‑100 slipped as technology stocks faced pressure from rising oil prices and inflation concerns. Investors are also waiting for the release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, which may influence interest rate decisions by the Federal Reserve. This mix of factors explains why the broader market futures show small gains while technology-focused futures remain under pressure.

Futures movement signals mixed market sentiment

Why are US stock market futures rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red can be explained by the movement in futures trading late Thursday evening.


Shortly after 6 p.m. ET:

• Futures linked to the S&P 500 rose 0.04%
• Nasdaq-100 futures dipped about 0.04%
• Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 19 points, or less than 0.1%

This mixed movement shows investors are cautious while waiting for economic data that may influence market direction.

Oil prices and Iran tension affect investor outlook

Another reason behind why US stock market futures are rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red is the recent surge in oil prices.

Markets came under pressure earlier in the day after Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz should remain shut as a tool to pressure enemies. The Strait of Hormuz is a key global oil shipping route.

Following the statement:

• West Texas Intermediate crude futures jumped 9.72% to $95.73 per barrel
• Brent crude futures gained 9.22% to $100.46 per barrel

This marked the first close for Brent above $100 per barrel since August 2022. Higher oil prices raise concerns about inflation and economic pressure, which affects investor decisions in the stock market.

Market losses earlier in the session

The mixed futures move also follows losses in the regular trading session on Thursday. All three major U.S. stock indexes closed at their lowest levels of 2026.

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped nearly 740 points and closed below 47,000 for the first time this year.
• The S&P 500 declined 1.5%.

These declines added to investor caution ahead of key economic data.

Analysts warn about energy risks

Market experts say the energy situation is becoming a major risk. Chris Toomey, managing director at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, said the energy market is a major concern. He said on CNBC’s “Closing Bell” that several issues are affecting markets, including artificial intelligence investment, private credit activity, and energy prices. Toomey warned that if the Strait of Hormuz disruption lasts more than two or three months, it could create serious economic problems.

Inflation report may guide Federal Reserve policy

Another key factor explaining why US stock market futures are rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red is the upcoming U.S. inflation data. Investors are waiting for the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, which is the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure.

The data is scheduled for release Friday morning. According to the Dow Jones consensus forecast:

• Headline PCE is expected to rise 0.3% month-to-month
• It may increase 2.9% year-over-year
• Core PCE, which excludes energy and food prices, is expected to rise 0.4% monthly
• Core PCE could increase 3.1% from a year earlier

Higher inflation could reduce expectations for interest rate cuts this year.

Weekly performance of major indexes

Markets are also heading toward weekly losses.

• S&P 500 is on track for about a 1% weekly decline
• Dow Jones Industrial Average may fall about 1.7% for the week
• Nasdaq Composite is down around 0.3% week to date

These losses reflect concerns about inflation, oil prices, and global tensions.

Corporate earnings also move stocks

Some companies also saw major stock movements.

Ulta Beauty shares fell 8% after weak earnings. The company reported $8.01 earnings per share, below the $8.03 estimate. Revenue came in at $3.90 billion, above the $3.80 billion expected.

Adobe shares dropped nearly 7% after CEO Shantanu Narayen said he will step down after a successor is named. Narayen will remain chair of the board. He has served as Adobe CEO since 2007.

Lennar shares declined about 2% in after-hours trading after reporting a second consecutive quarterly earnings miss. The company posted 93 cents earnings per share on $6.62 billion revenue, below analyst expectations of 96 cents and $6.88 billion.

Analysts insights and market outlook

Analysts say the situation explains why are US stock market futures rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red as investors react to energy risks and inflation concerns. Chris Toomey from Morgan Stanley said the energy situation linked to the Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern for markets. He said if disruption in the route continues for more than two or three months, it could create economic pressure. Analysts also say markets are closely watching the upcoming Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, which will influence policy decisions by the Federal Reserve and shape the outlook for the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite.

What should investors do now?

Market experts say investors should watch economic data and global developments while evaluating why are US stock market futures rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red. Analysts say the upcoming inflation report and the response from the Federal Reserve will guide interest rate expectations and market direction. Investors are also monitoring oil price movements in West Texas Intermediate crude oil and Brent crude oil after comments from Mojtaba Khamenei about the Strait of Hormuz. Experts say investors may focus on diversification and monitor sectors that react differently to energy prices and inflation signals.

FAQs

Q1. Why are US stock market futures rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red?
Why are US stock market futures rising now, and S&P 500 and Dow Jones in green while Nasdaq in red is linked to mixed investor sentiment as markets react to rising oil prices, Iran tensions, and upcoming PCE inflation data.

Q2. How do oil prices affect why US stock market futures rising now and Nasdaq in red?
Higher oil prices raise inflation fears. This influences interest rate expectations and technology stocks, which explains why US stock market futures rising now and Nasdaq in red while other indexes show gains.