U.S. stock futures pointed to modest losses at the start of the week, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of a series of high-impact events. One hour before the New York Stock Exchange open, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was indicated 0.1% lower at 53,234 points, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 showed a 0.6% decline to 29,140.
Geopolitical risks continued to weigh on sentiment, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent scheduled to unveil what he described as the 'strictest sanctions in history' against Iran on Monday. The measures aim to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Iran responded by warning of severe consequences should Washington escalate economic warfare.
Market focus will also intensify on the Federal Reserve’s annual Jackson Hole symposium, which begins Thursday. Investors are seeking signals from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh on the future path of U.S. interest rates, amid elevated oil prices and rising bond yields. Analysts at eToro noted that the tone of Warsh’s remarks—whether emphasizing inflation concerns or bond market stability—could sway expectations for monetary policy.
Semiconductor giant Nvidia is poised to report second-quarter earnings on Wednesday, with market watchers anticipating strong results but cautioning that surpassing lofty expectations will be key. The stock was last 0.1% lower in pre-market trading. Among peers, Intel fell 1.9% and AMD lost 1.7% before the bell.
Elsewhere, adhesives manufacturer H.B. Fuller declined 0.8% after its board rejected a bid from investor Ancora for its Building Adhesives division, according to sources familiar with the matter.
