US equity futures signalled a weak start to Wall Street on Thursday, with sharp losses across benchmark indices after US President Donald Trump downplayed prospects of a near-term ceasefire with Iran, rattling investor sentiment.
Futures linked to the tech-heavy Nasdaq led declines, with E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures falling 1.84% to 23,749.75. The contract opened at 24,180 and slipped to an intraday low of 23,752, compared with the previous close of 24,194.75. Trading activity remained elevated, with volumes crossing 116,000 contracts.
Broader market weakness was also evident in E-mini S&P 500 Futures, which dropped 1.43% to 6,523. The index touched a low of 6,520 after opening at 6,618.50, slipping from its previous close of 6,617.75. Volumes stood at over 282,000 contracts, reflecting heightened market participation amid rising uncertainty.
The selloff comes as geopolitical tensions intensify in the Middle East, with concerns over a prolonged conflict disrupting global energy flows and economic stability. Trump's latest remarks suggesting the conflict may not end anytime soon have dampened hopes of de-escalation, triggering risk-off sentiment across markets.
With the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil trade under threat, investors are bracing for volatility in both equities and commodities, setting the stage for a turbulent session on Wall Street.
ALSO READ: Trump Speech Highlights: Iran War 'Near End' But US To Hit 'Extremely Hard' In Coming Weeks
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