US stock futures rose Tuesday, shrugging off a weak prior session and the end of the Nasdaq’s 13-day winning streak, as markets weighed geopolitics, earnings and central bank uncertainty. Dow futures climbed about 0.6 (roughly 279 points), while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures gained around 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. All three major indices had ended marginally lower on Monday.
A modest pullback in oil helped sentiment: West Texas Intermediate fell about 0.4% to just above $89 a barrel and Brent slipped about 0.3% toward $95, even as uncertainty over Iran persists. President Donald Trump said Iran had “violated the ceasefire numerous times” and indicated US negotiators may resume talks, potentially in Pakistan. The temporary ceasefire is set to expire late Wednesday, and markets are watching for clarity on whether discussions will advance.
On the corporate front, UnitedHealth jumped more than 7% in premarket trading after beating quarterly expectations and raising its earnings outlook. Apple edged lower after news that Tim Cook will step down as CEO, with John Ternus set to succeed him.
Attention also centers on Federal Reserve matters: Kevin Warsh is due to appear before the Senate Banking Committee and is expected to stress central bank independence, though he has not specified a stance on rates. The situation is complicated by a Justice Department inquiry involving current Fed Chair Jerome Powell; Powell’s term ends May 15 and uncertainty persists about the timing of a successor’s confirmation.
Investors will also track March retail sales for consumer activity signals and upcoming earnings from United Airlines, which could reflect higher fuel costs.
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First Published: Apr 21, 2026 6:32 PM IST
