US stock futures nudged higher on Tuesday, brushing aside a weak prior session and a snapped winning streak by the Nasdaq, as markets toggled between geopolitics, earnings and a looming central bank face-off.
Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6% (around 279 points), while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. The move comes after the Nasdaq Composite ended its 13-day winning streak on Monday, its longest since 1992. All three major indices ended marginally lower yesterday.
Also read: Nasdaq’s 13-day winning streak ends; S&P 500 and Dow slip as Iran tensions resurface
A key factor supporting sentiment was a slight easing in oil prices. West Texas Intermediate futures fell about 0.4% to trade above $89 per barrel, while Brent crude slipped 0.3% to around $95. This comes even as uncertainty around the Iran situation continues.
US President Donald Trump said Iran had “violated the ceasefire numerous times,” while also indicating that US negotiators are preparing to resume talks, potentially in Pakistan. The temporary ceasefire is set to expire late Wednesday, and markets are watching for further clarity on whether discussions will move forward.
On the corporate front, UnitedHealth shares rose more than 7% in premarket trading after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results and raised its earnings outlook.
At the same time, Apple is undergoing a leadership transition. The stock edged lower in premarket trade following news that Tim Cook will step down as CEO, with John Ternus set to take over.
Attention is also on the Federal Reserve, where Kevin Warsh is scheduled to appear before the Senate Banking Committee. In prepared remarks, he is expected to emphasise the importance of central bank independence, though he has not outlined a clear stance on interest rates.
The situation is further complicated by an ongoing Justice Department inquiry involving current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, alongside political pressure from the administration. Powell’s term is due to end on May 15, and uncertainty remains over the timing of a successor’s confirmation.
Looking ahead, investors will track March retail sales data for signals on consumer activity, as well as earnings from United Airlines, which may reflect the impact of higher fuel costs.
First Published: Apr 21, 2026 6:32 PM IST
