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U.S. stock futures are edging higher early Tuesday as investors prepare for critical tech earnings and weigh new U.S. sanctions against Iran alongside incoming housing and consumer data.
The Polymarket (CRYPTO: POL) crowd is leaning bullish for the Aug. 25 trading session. The “S&P 500 (SPX) Up or Down on August 25?” contract currently reflects a 68% chance of a higher open.
Why That Number Matters
Traders are balancing the anticipation of Nvidia Corp.‘s (NASDAQ:NVDA) upcoming earnings against escalating geopolitical risks in the Middle East:
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Higher Index Futures: Equity futures are pointing to a positive open. S&P 500 futures advanced 0.12%, and Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.37%. Dow Jones futures ticked up 0.01%, while Russell 2000 futures rose 0.15%.
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Geopolitics & Energy: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled expanded sanctions designed to cut Iran’s economic lifeline, warning countries trading with Tehran they risk being forced out of the dollar-based financial system. Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh responded defiantly, stating, “Our defense is no longer so defensive; the enemies should wait for an attack.” Despite the escalating rhetoric, oil prices pulled back slightly; Brent crude futures fell 0.20% to $90.36 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 0.12% to $84.91 a barrel.
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Earnings & Eco Data: Tuesday’s earnings docket features reports from Zoom Video Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) and Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. (NYSE:DKS). Investors are also awaiting June’s S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index at 9:00 a.m. ET, followed by July’s new home sales and August’s Conference Board consumer confidence index at 10:00 a.m. ET.
The Bull Case and Market Outlook
Despite geopolitical headwinds, investor optimism is building ahead of key tech sector earnings and the upcoming Federal Reserve symposium in Jackson Hole. Market commentator Louis Navellier highlighted that Nvidia’s highly anticipated Wednesday report will serve as the “grand finale to this incredible earnings announcement season.” Analysts estimate the tech giant could post 97% sales growth to $92.1 billion and 99% earnings growth.
Navellier noted that order backlogs for AI-related stocks continue to surge as developers demand more computing power, pointing to companies like GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) and its massive $176 billion backlog.
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