LIVE BLOG09 Jul 2026 | 06:10:08 PM ISTDow Jones Today Live Updates: US stock futures rise as oil slips, Iran tensions lingerSynopsisDow Jones Today | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Live: US stock futures edged higher as oil prices retreated after recent spikes driven by fresh US strikes on Iran. While easing crude offered some relief, investors remained cautious amid geopolitical risks, Fed policy uncertainty, and concerns over inflation and economic outlook.Dow Jones Today | Nasdaq | S&P 500 Live Updates: Wall Street futures rose modestly as oil prices pulled back from recent highs triggered by renewed US-Iran tensions. Despite easing crude supporting sentiment, markets stayed cautious due to geopolitical uncertainty and risks to global energy supply routes. Investors also weighed Federal Reserve signals, with policymakers maintaining a hawkish stance and traders pricing in a potential rate hike later this year amid inflation concerns. Show more Show less1 New UpdateDow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: US jobless claims fall, signalling steady labour marketUS initial jobless claims declined by 2,000 to 215,000 for the week ended July 4, indicating labour market stability despite slower job growth in June. The earlier rise in claims was largely attributed to seasonal distortions linked to school holidays. Economists continue to characterise the labour market as “slow hire, slow fire,” with no significant deterioration.Federal Reserve minutes reinforced this view, noting expectations for stable employment conditions, though policymakers flagged risks from geopolitical uncertainty and economic outlook. While continuing claims rose to 1.814 million, the increase was also seen as seasonal. The Fed held rates steady but signalled a potential hike later this year.Dow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: Key data and stock moves remain in focusInvestors are closely watching weekly jobless claims data and commentary from Federal Reserve officials, including New York Fed President John Williams, for clues on the economic outlook. In corporate news, Levi Strauss shares fell in premarket trading despite raising its annual sales forecast, indicating investor caution. Market participants remain focused on incoming data, earnings signals, and geopolitical developments to gauge the direction of equities in the near term.Dow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: Federal Reserve stance adds to market uncertaintyThe Federal Reserve’s latest minutes indicated policymakers maintained a cautious and somewhat hawkish stance, with some members open to further rate hikes. Under Chair Kevin Warsh, the central bank held rates steady but signalled vigilance on inflation. Traders are currently pricing in at least one rate hike by year-end. This outlook has added another layer of uncertainty for equity markets, already navigating geopolitical risks and fluctuating commodity prices.Dow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: Oil volatility drives market sentiment and inflation concernsOil prices, which had surged earlier on geopolitical fears, declined about 1% as immediate supply concerns eased. While the retreat in crude supported equities, investors remained wary of renewed spikes if tensions persist. Prolonged disruption in Middle East energy flows could reignite inflation pressures globally. Analysts expect periodic volatility in oil markets as both sides remain incentivised to keep shipping routes operational, even as conflict risks continue to simmer.Dow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: US-Iran escalation keeps geopolitical risks elevatedFresh US military strikes on Iran aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open intensified tensions, with Iran responding by targeting Kuwait and Bahrain. The developments raised concerns about a wider regional conflict and potential disruption to key energy routes. President Donald Trump’s statement that a ceasefire deal was “over” further dampened hopes of near-term de-escalation. Markets remained sensitive to any signs of escalation that could impact global supply chains and investor confidence.Dow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: Wall Street futures edge higher as oil prices retreatUS stock index futures moved slightly higher as oil prices cooled after recent gains triggered by escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The pullback in crude helped stabilise investor sentiment, with Nasdaq futures leading gains. However, the broader market tone remained cautious as geopolitical developments continued to dominate global risk outlook. Investors assessed whether easing oil prices could sustain a recovery in equities amid ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East.