Markets Mixed Ahead of Netflix Earnings as Dow Futures Edge Up, S&P 500 Steady, Nasdaq Slips

On Thursday, U.S. equities drifted as investors assessed the ongoing AI rally and awaited major earnings releases, while rising tensions between the United States and Iran continued to pressure markets.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures edged up 0.2%, S&P 500 futures hovered near unchanged, and Nasdaq‑100 futures slipped 0.5% following a previous session buoyed by Big Tech, during which Apple shares hit a record high.

Market participants kept watch on oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. carried out another round of airstrikes against Iran on Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal reported that former President Trump received a briefing from advisors on possible escalation steps, such as intensified bombing or the deployment of ground troops.

Attention also turned to Thursday’s earnings release from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM), which provided another robust indicator of demand for AI‑related infrastructure as sentiment swung between risk‑on and risk‑off.

Before the market open, UnitedHealth Group (UNH) and GE Aerospace (GE) are slated to announce quarterly results, while Netflix’s (NFLX) second‑quarter earnings, due after the close, will anchor the earnings calendar.

On the economic front, retail sales data will shed light on consumer spending trends, and weekly jobless claims will offer insight into labor‑market conditions; both figures are scheduled for release at 8:30 a.m. ET.

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