U.S. stock futures traded mixed early Friday after President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks.
S&P 500 futures hovered near the flatline, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.4%. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipped by 114 points, or 0.23%.
In after-hours trading, Intel shares surged 19% after the company reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings and issued an optimistic outlook for the current quarter.
During Thursday’s session, both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite reached fresh intraday highs but later reversed course to close lower, down 0.4% and 0.9% respectively. The Nasdaq’s drop marked its sharpest daily decline in nearly a month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also fell 180 points, or 0.4%.
Markets found some support after Trump’s announcement of the ceasefire extension, which followed a meeting at the White House with senior U.S. officials. The development offered a degree of relief to investors amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Despite the temporary truce, uncertainty remains elevated as the Middle East conflict continues to evolve, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where recent naval confrontations and ship seizures have heightened risks.
Thursday’s pullback from record levels highlighted how sensitive markets remain to geopolitical headlines, even as investors try to shift focus toward corporate earnings.
Sector performance was mixed, with software stocks declining while semiconductor shares outperformed. The iShares Semiconductor ETF extended its winning streak to 17 consecutive sessions.
Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific markets opened on a mixed note, reflecting continued caution among investors despite the ceasefire extension and ongoing geopolitical concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
hy are U.S. stock futures trading mixed?
Futures are reacting to a combination of geopolitical developments, including the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extension, and mixed sentiment around recent market highs and corporate earnings.
How does the ceasefire extension impact the markets?
The extension reduces immediate geopolitical risk, which can support investor confidence, but uncertainty in the Middle East still keeps markets cautious.
Why did Intel shares surge after hours?
Intel reported better-than-expected earnings and gave a strong outlook, boosting investor confidence and driving the stock sharply higher.
What should traders watch next?
Key focus areas include further updates from the Middle East, upcoming economic data, and corporate earnings, which will likely drive short-term market direction.
