Mixed U.S. Futures as Israel-Iran Strikes Rattle Markets

Benzinga reported Monday that U.S. equity futures split at the open as Israel-Iran strikes over the weekend shook investor confidence. The Dow Jones shed 0.31% in futures trading. The S&P 500 edged up 0.19%, and the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.47%.

Middle East Tensions Drive Cautious Open

The Israel-Iran strikes occurred despite efforts by President Donald Trump to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid further escalation. Iran and Israel exchanged missile fire regardless, deepening uncertainty across global markets. U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are ongoing, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Investors are watching both diplomatic channels and military developments closely for any signs of de-escalation.

Rate Bets and Bond Markets Hold Steady

Treasury yields stayed broadly stable heading into Monday’s session. The benchmark 10-year note yielded 4.58%, while the two-year sat at 4.19%. The CME FedWatch tool showed markets pricing a 98% probability of the Federal Reserve holding rates steady at its June meeting. Investors will also be tracking May’s consumer price index and producer price index releases later this week. Both prints could sharpen expectations around the Fed’s next move.

Background: A Market Still Processing Thursday’s Shock

Thursday delivered the S&P 500’s worst single-session drop of 2026, with the index falling 2.6%. Before that stumble, however, the index had surged roughly 19.5% over just two months, one of the strongest such runs since 1950. Carson Group strategist Ryan Detrick noted the rally was “one of the best two-month rallies ever.” Historical data going back to 1950 shows the S&P 500 was never lower one month, three months, six months, or a year after similar bursts, averaging roughly 40% gains over the following twelve months.

Stocks in Focus: AMD, Nebius, and Ingredion Lead Premarket

Several individual names drew attention ahead of Monday’s open. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) climbed 1.81% after announcing a roughly $2.66 billion, five-year commitment to AI research and infrastructure in the UK. Nebius Group gained 2.11% on a $2.3 billion plan to develop four AI data center sites across Britain. Ingredion rose 1.95% after agreeing to acquire ingredients firm Tate & Lyle in a $3.6 billion deal. Friday’s sector performance showed consumer staples and utilities outperforming, while tech and energy lagged.

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