US stock futures experienced a slight decline on Thursday night as investors remained cautious amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Futures contracts tied to key indices such as the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by approximately 0.1%.
This subdued movement followed a strong session on Wall Street, where equities had previously extended their weekly gains. The optimism on the market was primarily driven by President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily halt military actions against Iran. The S&P 500 recorded a 0.6% increase, the Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.8%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained nearly 276 points, marking a significant softening that placed the blue-chip index in positive territory for 2026.
Investor sentiment now hinges on the early stages of diplomatic negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to initiate talks with Lebanon, amid accusations from Iranian officials that Israel has violated the ceasefire by shutting off the Strait of Hormuz. This geopolitical tension has led Trump to renew threats against Iran, especially in light of reports that Tehran plans to toll tankers navigating the critical waterway.
Scheduled peace talks over the weekend are anticipated to play a crucial role in easing these tensions. Senior White House officials reached out to Netanyahu on Wednesday, urging Israel to reduce military strikes on Lebanon. In response, Israel’s official stance underscored, “There is no ceasefire in Lebanon.”
As the situation develops, investors will also be paying close attention to upcoming economic indicators. The March consumer price index is set to be released soon, with economists predicting a monthly inflation rise of 0.9% and a year-over-year increase of 3.3%.
Market coverage will continue on Friday, April 10, 2026, as key developments unfold.
