2026.03.3123:29:34UTC+00US Stock Futures Ease After Wall Street Rally

U.S. stock futures slipped on Wednesday, taking a breather after a strong Wall Street rally in the previous session that was fueled by hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East. President Trump said he believes the conflict with Iran may not last “much longer” and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen “automatically” once U.S. forces withdraw.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, rejected the prospect of a quick truce, insisting Tehran is not seeking a ceasefire but a full end to the war. He called for guarantees against future attacks and compensation for damages, underscoring persistent geopolitical uncertainty.

On the economic front, U.S. house prices rose 0.1% month-on-month in January, with annual gains still muted.

In corporate news, Nvidia shares jumped more than 5.6% after the company announced a $2 billion investment in Marvell Technology aimed at expanding AI infrastructure through NVLink Fusion. Microsoft, meanwhile, despite a 3.1% rebound on Tuesday, just recorded its weakest quarterly performance since the 2008 financial crisis, with the stock down 23% in the first quarter.