ICMarket

Monday 31st August 2026: U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Iran Tensions Send Oil Prices Higher

Global Markets:

●         Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down 1.13%, Shanghai Composite down 0.20% Hang Seng down 0.70% ASX down 0.03%

●        Commodities : Gold at $4,474.89 (-1.24%) Silver at $66.885 (-1.33%), Brent Oil at 90.17 (4.69%), WTI Oil at 85.07 (2.00%)

●        Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.710, UK 10-year yield at 5.0695, Germany 10-year yield at 3.2733

News & Data:

●        (USD)     Prelim Benchmark Payrolls Revision  

         79K to 911K  expected

Markets Update:

U.S. stock futures slipped Sunday evening after the U.S. military struck Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns that tensions in the Middle East could escalate.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell 85 points, or 0.16%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures each declined about 0.2%.

Asian markets also moved lower. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 3.5%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined 2.16%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.88%, and China’s CSI 300 lost 0.61%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 bucked the trend, gaining 0.12%.

Despite the latest geopolitical concerns, Wall Street is heading toward a strong August. The Dow is up 2.1% for the month and is on track for its fifth straight monthly gain. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite are higher by roughly 3% and 4%, respectively.

Technology stocks have led the rally, particularly companies linked to artificial intelligence. The S&P 500 technology sector has gained nearly 6%, while Nvidia, Microsoft and Micron Technology have risen more than 8%, 11% and 13%.

However, inflation concerns have kept markets volatile, pushing Treasury yields to multiyear highs. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh recently expressed concern about persistent inflation, increasing expectations for a potential September rate hike.

Meanwhile, oil prices jumped following the Iranian strike, with U.S. crude rising 2.1% to $85.14 per barrel and Brent gaining 2% to $89.90.

Investors now await Friday’s U.S. jobs report and fresh manufacturing and services data.

Upcoming Events:

●        1:00 PM           GMT  –  AUD   Company Operating Profits q/q

Risk Warning: Trading in securities involves significant risk. Prices may fluctuate and securities can become entirely valueless. You may incur losses that exceed your potential profits, and in some cases, losses may exceed the amount you have deposited. Securities, futures, options, and contracts for differences are complex financial instruments and are not suitable for all investors. Engaging in such transactions requires a sound understanding of the associated risks. Please read and ensure you fully understand our Risk Disclosure.

Our leverage is dynamic and may change at any time. Such changes may affect your positions and margin requirements. You are responsible for monitoring your positions and maintaining sufficient margin at all times