US Stocks Set to Open Higher as Mideast Tensions Ease

Wall Street's primary indexes pointed toward a higher opening on Tuesday as optimism grew regarding potential de-escalation in the Middle East. Investors are closely monitoring diplomatic efforts while digesting a fresh wave of corporate earnings and economic data. Reports suggest that delegations from the United States and Iran may resume negotiations in Pakistan later this week. These developments follow remarks from the U.S. administration indicating a willingness to reach a deal, provided it prevents Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The market has remained sensitive to regional developments, with even tentative signs of a diplomatic off-ramp sufficient to encourage investors. At 08:34 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis were up 25 points, or 0.05%, S&P 500 E-minis added 18.5 points, or 0.26%, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis rose 128.5 points, or 0.5%. The S&P 500 has recovered most of its losses since the start of the conflict, while the Nasdaq 100 recently logged its longest winning streak since late 2025. > "Investors seem to be buying into the notion that it may take a while, but there is an off-ramp in the future to this war," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth. A busy slate of quarterly reports is also expected to guide market direction as the focus shifts from macroeconomic concerns to individual company performance. BLACKROCK INC gained 1.9% in premarket trading after the asset manager reported a rise in first-quarter profit, helped by strong inflows into its exchange-traded funds. Conversely, JPMORGAN CHASE & CO and WELLS FARGO & CO declined 0.7% and 2.9%, respectively, following their quarterly results. CITIGROUP INC rose 1.7%, while JOHNSON & JOHNSON was down 1.2% post-earnings. > "The next few weeks of profit reports will likely need to confirm that earnings momentum is broad enough and guidance firm enough to support stock prices after a period of elevated volatility," said Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise Financial. Economic data showed that U.S. producer prices increased less than expected in March as the cost of services remained unchanged. Among other stock movers, UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS INC and AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC rose 2.9% and 8.7%, respectively, amid reports of a potential industry-reshaping merger. Shares of GLOBALSTAR INC jumped 9.3% after AMAZON.COM INC agreed to an $11.57 billion deal to acquire the satellite company.