Stock Market Today: Futures Rise as Fed Decision Looms; Middle East Tensions Ease

Market Overview

U.S. stock futures are pointing to a higher open on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as investors await the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later today. Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average are up 65 points, or 0.2%, while S&P 500 futures are also rising 0.2%. Nasdaq 100 futures are showing stronger momentum, climbing 0.3% in premarket trading.

The positive premarket movement comes after all three major indexes retreated nearly 1% on Tuesday amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Today’s recovery suggests investors are refocusing on domestic economic factors, particularly the Fed’s upcoming announcement.

Oil prices, which spiked yesterday on Middle East conflict concerns, are retreating slightly this morning, down 0.3%, providing some relief for inflation-wary investors.

Fed Decision Takes Center Stage

Today’s markets today will be dominated by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern time. While analysts are virtually certain the Fed will maintain current rates, market participants will closely analyze Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the updated Summary of Economic Projections (SEP).

The previous SEP in March indicated expectations for two quarter-point cuts before year-end, but today’s projections may shift to just one reduction, reflecting persistent inflation concerns. The Fed’s outlook on inflation, employment, and economic growth will be crucial for market news today and could significantly impact trading in the afternoon session.

Earnings in Focus

Several companies are reporting earnings before the stock market today opens, potentially creating some notable premarket movers:

Korn Ferry (KFY) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.25 per share, representing a slight decrease of 0.79% compared to the same quarter last year. The staffing company has met or exceeded analyst expectations in recent quarters.

GMS Inc. (GMS), a building materials supplier, is projected to report earnings of $1.15 per share, a significant 40.41% decrease year-over-year, potentially reflecting challenges in the construction sector.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB) is anticipated to report earnings of $0.11 per share, unchanged from the same quarter last year. The cannabis producer has consistently beaten expectations in recent quarters.

Other notable reports include shipping company Euroseas Ltd. (ESEA) and audio-video production firm LiveOne, Inc. (LVO), both of which could see significant price movement based on their results.

Geopolitical Tensions and Market Impact

The stock market live performance continues to be influenced by developments in the Middle East. President Donald Trump’s mixed messages regarding potential U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict contributed to yesterday’s market decline. In a social media post, Trump made provocative comments about Iran’s Supreme Leader but indicated the U.S. would not take immediate action.

This geopolitical uncertainty has created volatility in energy markets, with oil prices experiencing significant fluctuations. Energy sector stocks remain particularly sensitive to these developments, with investors closely monitoring news from the region.

Looking Ahead

Beyond today’s Fed decision, investors in the markets today are positioning for potential volatility in the coming days. The 10-year Treasury yield stands at 4.406%, slightly down from yesterday but higher than last week, indicating shifting expectations about inflation and economic growth.

Gold has retreated 0.3% to $3,396 an ounce, while the U.S. Dollar Index is down 0.3% against a basket of currencies, suggesting some easing of safe-haven demand as market sentiment improves slightly.

As trading begins on this pivotal day, investors will be balancing domestic economic considerations with ongoing international tensions, creating a complex environment for the stock market today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. We are not financial professionals. The authors and/or site operators may hold positions in the companies or assets mentioned. Always do your own research before making financial decisions.