S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures advanced on Monday, rebounding from earlier losses as investor sentiment improved on prospects for a ceasefire in the Middle East. The US, Iran, and a group of regional mediators are reportedly negotiating terms for a potential 45-day truce that could pave the way for a more lasting end to the conflict. This shift in tone followed President Donald Trump setting a new deadline for Iran and escalating threats against its power plants and other civilian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. US equities had come under heavy pressure as the conflict pushed energy prices sharply higher, fueling speculation that the Federal Reserve may delay rate cuts and potentially raise borrowing costs this year if inflation persists. Investors are now looking to the latest Federal Open Market Committee minutes for further guidance on the central bank’s policy outlook.
