LIVE BLOG21 Jul 2026 | 05:45:57 PM ISTDow Jones Today Live Updates: Chip stocks lift U.S. futures ahead of big tech earningsSynopsisDow Jones Today | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Live: U.S. stock futures advanced as semiconductor shares extended gains ahead of key tech earnings. Investors tracked Iran ceasefire signals and rising geopolitical risks, while Trump’s tariff plans added uncertainty. 3M surged on an upbeat forecast.Dow Jones Today | Nasdaq | S&P 500 Live Updates: Wall Street futures moved higher, led by a rebound in semiconductor stocks, as investors positioned for earnings from major tech firms including Alphabet and Intel. Markets balanced optimism around AI-driven growth with concerns over U.S.-Iran tensions and potential trade disruptions. Trump’s proposed tariffs on multiple countries added to uncertainty. Brent crude hovered near $90, while 3M gained after raising its full-year profit outlook. Show more Show less1 New UpdateDow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: Stocks in focus and market moversAmong individual stocks, 3M surged after raising its annual profit forecast, signalling resilience in industrial demand. Semiconductor-related assets also advanced, with strong gains in chip ETFs. Meanwhile, Equifax declined sharply after issuing a weaker profit outlook. Nvidia-related developments boosted AI-linked names, highlighting continued investor appetite for the sector despite recent volatility.Dow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: Oil prices and inflation watchBrent crude prices rebounded to around $90 per barrel, reflecting ongoing geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Analysts suggest that while supply disruptions could persist, the impact on core inflation may remain limited. This could allow central banks to avoid aggressive policy tightening, keeping financial conditions supportive for equities in the near term.Dow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: Geopolitical tensions add uncertaintyMarkets also tracked developments in the U.S.-Iran situation, including reports of a potential 10-day ceasefire proposal. However, risks escalated after Yemen’s Houthis signalled a possible naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. This raises concerns about broader regional conflict and disruptions to global trade routes, contributing to cautious investor positioning despite gains in equities.Dow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: Earnings outlook drives sentimentInvestor focus has shifted toward upcoming results from major technology companies, particularly Alphabet and Intel. These earnings are expected to provide clarity on whether the AI-driven rally in equities can sustain momentum. Despite high expectations, concerns remain about whether heavy capital spending by large tech firms is translating into meaningful returns, keeping valuations under scrutiny.Dow Jones| Nasdaq | S&P 500 | US Stock Market Today | Live: Futures rise on chip stock reboundU.S. stock index futures climbed in early trading, supported by a strong recovery in semiconductor shares after a recent selloff. Nasdaq futures led gains, reflecting renewed investor interest in AI-linked stocks. The broader market attempted to stabilise following recent declines, with sentiment improving as investors positioned ahead of crucial earnings announcements expected to shape near-term direction.