U.S. stock futures edged higher Thursday morning as oil prices pulled back from above $100 a barrel and Treasury yields eased, offering markets some relief after three consecutive sessions of losses.

S&P 500 futures rose 0.2%, while Dow futures gained 0.4%. Nasdaq 100 futures were nearly flat. The modest gains followed a difficult stretch for markets, driven by higher energy prices and rising bond yields.

Brent crude topped $100 a barrel earlier this week for the first time since July, fueling concerns that more expensive energy could add to inflationary pressure. On Thursday, Brent slipped to about $100.50 a barrel.

The increase in oil prices has been linked largely to the ongoing military conflict between the United States and Iran. The fighting began in late February after a joint U.S. and Israeli assault and has raised concerns that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, could remain closed for an extended period.

Trump Says Conflict Will End After Midterm Elections

President Donald Trump told supporters at a rally Wednesday that the conflict with Iran would end after November’s midterm elections, but he did not explain how.

🚨🇺🇸🇮🇷 BOMBSHELL: Trump's own advisers have told him privately the Iran war could run past Inauguration Day 2029 Vance, Rubio and others have raised it in the Oval Office and the Situation Room, warning Tehran can keep absorbing the blockade, U.S. officials say. Trump told… pic.twitter.com/jlIcTw8778 — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 9, 2026

https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/2097828539168940510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Trump has previously set deadlines for ending the war. A ceasefire signed in June did not hold. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Trump’s advisers warned the conflict could continue through the end of his presidency in January 2029.

Polls show that the war has damaged Trump’s approval ratings, while voters have expressed frustration over sharp increases in gasoline prices since the fighting began.

Treasury yields also climbed this week. The 10-year yield reached 4.84%, its highest level since October 2023, before easing slightly. The Treasury planned to buy back $6 billion in bonds Thursday in an effort to reduce longer-term yields. Yields declined modestly ahead of the planned transaction.

Two important inflation reports are scheduled for release this week. Producer-price data is due Thursday morning, followed by consumer-price data on Friday. If both reports are hotter than expected, the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike next week could rise from the current 60%.

Oracle and Adobe Earnings in Focus

Oracle is scheduled to report earnings after the closing bell Thursday. The company has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure and has secured agreements with Meta Platforms and OpenAI. Oracle said earlier this year that it plans to raise as much as $40 billion through debt and equity, while forecasting $95 billion in capital spending for fiscal 2027.

Adobe is also set to report Thursday evening. The company recently lost both its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, leaving its leadership structure in flux. Nevertheless, Adobe raised its full-year revenue and profit outlook. Its artificial-intelligence-focused annual recurring revenue exceeded $500 million at the end of the second quarter.

The European Central Bank is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points Thursday. Analysts at ING described the move as an “insurance hike” intended to keep inflation under control as energy costs rise across Europe. Gas prices in the region have reached their highest level since 2023.

Apple shares fell Wednesday after the company unveiled a foldable iPhone priced at $1,999. Deutsche Bank analysts said September was living up to its reputation as one of the more difficult months for markets.

Source: CoinCentral