U.S. stock futures are pointing to a higher open as markets reopen after the holiday, gaining ground despite escalating geopolitical tensions in Iran which are pushing oil prices higher.
Stocks to Watch: * NVIDIA Corporation: Shares have been under pressure, falling amid rising interest rates and skepticism about the growth of AI-related spending. * Microsoft Corporation: The stock has also seen a significant decline in recent months, contributing to a broader tech sector correction due to concerns over AI investments. * Rio Tinto Group: Shares are climbing as aluminium prices surged nearly 5% following Iranian airstrikes on smelters, boosting mining stocks.
Looking ahead, investors will be closely monitoring today's speech from Fed Chair Jerome Powell for signals on potential interest rate cuts this year, which could impact broader market sentiment.