US stock futures made slight gains Wednesday as Wall Street looked to build on a rebound session, with conflict in the Middle East holding focus.
Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F) held around the baseline. Contracts on the S&P 500 (ES=F) and the Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) each climbed roughly 0.1%.
The muted overnight action followed a solid rally in the regular session. The Dow (^DJI) snapped a three-day losing streak. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) and Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) both ended the day with gains.
Major moves across all markets continue to be driven by conflict in the Middle East, as attacks between the US, Israel and Iran have spread across the region. Thursday marks the sixth day of violence with no immediate signs of abatement. Although the New York Times has reported that Iran’s leaders have reached out to Trump for discussion towards a ceasefire.
As the fourth-largest OPEC oil producer, the impact of Iran’s reduced production capabilities is having wide-ranging effects across commodities and stocks with concerns that surging oil prices might force the Fed to evaluate interest rates in a volatile market.
Looking to oil, prices steadied after sharp gains earlier in the week. Supply concerns eased after Trump said the US will offer risk insurance and naval escorts for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) futures traded around $76 a barrel, while Brent crude (BZ=F) traded above $82.
On the economic calendar, Friday see’s a highly-anticipated monthly jobs report, offering investors another read on the health of the labor market.
Earnings season, while slowed, continues with Costco (COST) and Marvell Technology (MRVL) releasing results after the close on Thursday.
Coming soon
Stock market coverage for Thursday, March 5, 2026.