US stock futures mixed as oil surge and tech earnings unsettle investors

12 articles · Updated · Barron's · Apr 30

Dow futures fell 269 points, S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures edged up 0.1% as Brent crude rose 1.8% to $112.34.
Markets were rattled after reports President Donald Trump would be briefed on possible military action in Iran, raising fears of Strait of Hormuz disruption and higher inflation.
Alphabet and Amazon impressed, but Meta and Microsoft capital spending plans revived AI spending concerns. After the Fed held rates steady, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq remained on track for their best month since 2020.

Will Big Tech's massive AI spending spree lead to a productivity boom or a bubble?

What does 'short and powerful' military action in Iran mean for global markets?

Beyond oil, which critical global supply chains are breaking from the Hormuz closure?

Can the US power grid handle the AI revolution without causing widespread blackouts?

How will the world's most critical chokepoint closure reshape the global economy?

How will a divided Fed navigate an energy-fueled inflation crisis with new leadership?