Stock Markets April 1, 2026

U.S. Futures Rise Premarket as Investors Parse Iran War Signals; Mixed Moves in Retail and Software Stocks

Nike and RH slip while nCino and several biotech names gain in early trading; benchmarks point higher ahead of the open

By Marcus Reed DIS
U.S. Futures Rise Premarket as Investors Parse Iran War Signals; Mixed Moves in Retail and Software Stocks
DIS

U.S. stock futures were higher in premarket trade as investors weighed signs of a potential end to the war in Iran and oil prices scaled back earlier declines. At 06:11 ET, benchmark futures were up across the board. Several individual stocks recorded notable moves before the opening bell, led by weakness in apparel and home-furnishing retailers and strength in banking software and some biotech names.

Key Points

  • U.S. futures were higher in early Wednesday trade, with gains in Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 futures at 06:11 ET.
  • Nike and RH declined in premarket action after results and outlooks highlighted ongoing regional softness and revenue shortfalls, respectively; these moves affect retail and consumer discretionary sectors.
  • nCino reported stronger-than-expected revenue guidance and announced an accelerated $100 million buyback, while several biotech names gained on company-specific developments; these moves impact software and healthcare sectors.

U.S. equity futures pointed higher in early Wednesday trading while oil prices trimmed earlier losses, as market participants assessed emerging signs that the war in Iran could be moving toward a resolution.

By 06:11 ET (10:11 GMT), the futures market showed gains for the major indexes: the Dow futures contract was up about 220 points, or 0.5%, S&P 500 futures had climbed roughly 31 points, or 0.5%, and Nasdaq 100 futures were higher by about 152 points, or 0.6%.


Premarket movers

  • Nike reported quarterly results that beat expectations on both revenue and earnings per share, but the company flagged ongoing weakness in Greater China. Nike also warned that revenue for the current quarter could decline by as much as 4%, and its shares fell on the outlook.
  • RH saw its stock drop after the home furnishings retailer issued a fiscal first-quarter revenue forecast that came in below market expectations.
  • Walt Disney ticked slightly higher after analysts at Raymond James upgraded the entertainment conglomerate, calling the current price an attractive entry point.
  • Zymeworks edged up following the announcement that Kristin Stafford has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
  • Immunic rose after the biotech company said it had regained compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price rule, removing the possibility of delisting tied to that requirement.
  • nCino jumped after the banking software provider issued a first-quarter revenue outlook that exceeded expectations and revealed an accelerated $100 million share buyback program.

What to watch

Traders will be watching how headlines around the conflict in Iran evolve and whether energy markets continue to firm or soften, given the role of oil in broader market sentiment. At the same time, investor attention will remain on corporate guidance and earnings signals, as several individual companies moved markedly in premarket trade on fresh outlooks and corporate developments.

Risks

  • Uncertainty around developments in the Iran conflict could drive volatility in energy and broader equity markets.
  • Company guidance that falls short of expectations, as seen with some retailers, can depress stocks in the consumer discretionary sector.
  • Nasdaq listing compliance issues, such as minimum bid price rules, can create trading and liquidity risks for affected biotech companies.

More from Stock Markets

Intel to Reacquire Apollo’s 49% Share in Ireland Fab for $14.2 Billion Apr 1, 2026 Insider Moves on Tuesday: Biotech CEO and Director Lead Notable Purchases as Several Executives Trim Stakes Apr 1, 2026 Morgan Stanley Summarizes March China Auto Deliveries and Upcoming Launches Apr 1, 2026 UBS Flags Rising Headwinds for European Auto Industry, Picks Stellantis and Continental as Best Plays Apr 1, 2026 Bernstein Raises Outlook for Western Digital After TurboQuant-Driven Pullback Apr 1, 2026