- media@moneyinfocus.news
Futures tied to major US equity indices traded slightly higher on Friday, holding near record levels as investors digested a fresh wave of corporate earnings and ongoing geopolitical developments.
Contracts linked to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite hovered close to all-time highs, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged modestly higher.
Market sentiment remained supported by strong corporate results across sectors. Shares of Apple Inc. rose more than 3% in premarket trading following robust earnings, driven by strong demand for its latest iPhone lineup and solid performance in China.
Energy companies also drew attention, with ExxonMobil and Chevron posting first-quarter results that exceeded profit expectations, lifting sentiment in the sector.
Technology stocks, particularly hyperscalers, remained supported after recent earnings releases reinforced expectations of sustained investment in artificial intelligence.
Markets continue to assess whether elevated AI spending reflects durable demand growth or a more cyclical investment cycle. According to recent data, AI-related investment contributed meaningfully to US economic expansion in the first quarter, helping offset signs of moderating private consumption.
Investors are also monitoring developments in the Persian Gulf, where export flows remain disrupted. Markets appear to be pricing in a near-term continuation of the blockade, reducing immediate volatility but maintaining underlying risk premiums in energy markets.
With equities trading near record levels, the near-term trajectory will likely depend on the durability of earnings growth, the sustainability of AI-driven investment, and evolving geopolitical conditions.
As macroeconomic signals remain mixed, markets are balancing strong corporate fundamentals against uncertainty in global demand and geopolitical stability.
