Stock futures are little changed as traders eye developments in Middle East: Live updates Stock futures traded mostly flat on Friday as investors monitored Middle East conflict developments and a potential ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. Major stock averages closed at record highs on Thursday, boosted by a rally in the technology sector. Company-specific news, such as Dell Technologies’ surge and American Eagle Outfitters’ decline, also influenced trading.

• Stock futures were mostly flat early Friday, with traders monitoring Middle East conflict and a potential Iran-U.S. ceasefire.
• Major U.S. stock averages (S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, Dow Jones Industrial Average) closed at record highs on Thursday, driven by a tech sector rally.
• Dell Technologies shares surged 38% in extended trading after raising its full-year guidance, while American Eagle Outfitters dropped 11% on weaker comparable sales.
• Reports of Iran firing missiles late Thursday contrasted with news of a potential 60-day ceasefire extension and negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, pending President Trump’s approval.
• Market rallies may continue to be driven by strong earnings growth, particularly in the technology sector, rather than Middle East headlines.
• Asia-Pacific markets traded higher on Friday, with gains in Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
• A former Trump economist is suggesting the Federal Reserve should hike interest rates due to rising inflation, despite current market conditions.
• Innovent Biologics shares rose 10% on a $10.5 billion deal with Pfizer for oncology medicine development.
• LG Electronics shares surged on new automotive innovations built with Alphabet’s Google technology.
• Samsung Electronics shares rose after announcing shipments of its new high-bandwidth memory chip.