U.S. stock futures moved up slightly in after-hours trading on Thursday as markets built on a session that produced record closes for major benchmarks. The gains came amid a backdrop of encouraging corporate earnings and ongoing geopolitical concerns linked to the conflict with Iran.
By 20:27 ET (00:27 GMT), S&P 500 futures were up 0.2% at 7,258.0 points and Nasdaq 100 futures had inched 0.1% higher to 27,626.75 points. Dow Jones futures similarly gained 0.2%, trading at 49,917.0 points.
Markets and earnings
Equities finished higher on the day, with the S&P 500 climbing 1% to a record close above the 7,200 level. The Nasdaq Composite rose roughly 0.9% and also marked an all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed the broader market, jumping 1.6%.
Investors attributed the advance largely to stronger-than-expected results from a number of large companies, which helped override some inflation concerns and the potential fallout from geopolitical developments.
Among the notable after-hours moves, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares were trading about 4% higher following the company’s quarterly report. The results included record totals for company revenue and profit per share, with iPhone sales expanding by more than 20% for a second consecutive quarter and continued strength in the company’s high-margin services business.
Social media operator Reddit (NYSE:RDDT) saw shares surge nearly 13% after the market close, propelled by first-quarter results that beat expectations and daily active user metrics that topped estimates.
Attention is now turning to another slate of earnings due before Friday’s opening bell, including reports from Chevron Corp (NYSE:CVX), Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM), and AutoNation Inc (NYSE:AN).
Geopolitical tensions and energy markets
Despite the upbeat corporate news, investor sentiment remained fragile amid renewed concerns over the Iran conflict. A report cited by Axios indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump was scheduled to receive a briefing on new military options directed at Iran, a development that amplified fears of further escalation.
Iran issued a warning that any new U.S. attack would prompt "long and painful strikes" on American positions in the region. Separately, the Strait of Hormuz was described as effectively closed, disrupting a key passage for global oil shipments and tightening near-term supply expectations.
In commodity markets, Brent crude earlier climbed above $126 per barrel, reaching its highest level in four years, before pulling back to about $114 amid profit-taking and currency moves.
What this means for markets
The market backdrop on Thursday illustrated a bifurcated environment: corporate earnings provided a clear near-term catalyst for positive equity performance, while geopolitical developments and energy market volatility introduced significant uncertainty. Traders and portfolio managers are weighing both vectors as they position for upcoming corporate reports and any further escalation in the Middle East.
With major energy names due to report and oil markets already volatile, sectors tied to energy and shipping may face heightened sensitivity to developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, large-cap technology and consumer-facing firms remain central to market direction after a round of influential earnings beats.
Note: This report reflects market moves and company disclosures as described in the available information and does not include additional external analysis or new data beyond those details.