Stock Futures Edge Up as Israel-Iran Tensions Escalate

U.S. stock futures edged up slightly before Monday’s session as growing tensions between Israel and Iran pushed up oil prices and raised concerns about the global economy. Futures on the Nasdaq 100 (NDX), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the S&P 500 (SPX) were up 0.19%, 0.06%, and 0.16%, respectively, at 8:18 p.m. EST, June 15.

Oil prices jumped after Israel’s attack, with WTI crude futures rising another 3% on Sunday night, trading above $75 a barrel. Gold also climbed, as investors looked for safer assets during the market uncertainty.

Traders have been closely monitoring the Middle East following Israel’s strike on Iran last week. As tensions in the Middle East rose following Iran’s missile strikes, stocks ended the week with losses. The Dow was down 1.3% for the week, while the S&P 500 slipped 0.4%, and the Nasdaq lost 0.6%.