US Stock Futures Trade Sideways Amid Geopolitical Tension

US stock index futures traded sideways on September 29, 2026, as gains in technology and AI-linked stocks were countered by high bond yields and rising crude oil prices. Market sentiment was strained by a lack of progress in peace talks between the United States and Iran. Donald Trump contributed to the uncertainty by stating he has offered Iran nothing to end the war.

In the technology sector, Nvidia continued to see gains following a record $150 billion increase in its share buyback authorization. Simultaneously, Anthropic is targeting a valuation exceeding $2 trillion for an upcoming initial public offering. In the pharmaceutical industry, AstraZeneca announced a $2 billion investment in Summit Therapeutics to collaborate on cancer treatment studies.

Investors are now awaiting economic data, including August job openings, and remarks from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve System, under Chair Kevin Warsh, has maintained a cautious stance and reduced commentary regarding future interest rate movements.