S&P 500 futures are little changed as investors analyze earnings, await Fed decision: Live updates
S&P 500 futures remain quiet as trading activity levels off. Market participants are processing a spike in oil prices following an attempted missile strike on U.S. forces in the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained approximately 4 percent to reach 82 dollars per barrel after United States Central Command confirmed the interception of ballistic missiles launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Corporate earnings reports continue to influence individual stock movements. Ford Motor shares gained 4 percent in extended trading after the company exceeded earnings expectations and raised its 2026 forecast. Conversely, Visa shares fell by about 1 percent following soft guidance. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite struggles, marking its fifth consecutive losing session as semiconductor stocks face sustained pressure.
Attention now shifts to the Federal Reserve and the upcoming interest rate decision. Traders currently estimate a 70 percent probability that the central bank will keep rates steady in the 3.5 percent to 3.75 percent range. Chairman Kevin Warsh will lead a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the policy outcome.
Global markets show a mixed response to the heightened regional tensions. While Asia-Pacific stocks opened with gains, analysts remain cautious about the economic impact of ongoing geopolitical volatility. New York Life Investment Management warns that markets may overemphasize inflation risks at the expense of potential tightening consequences. Investors await further clarity from earnings reports scheduled for Wednesday from Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Qualcomm.