US Markets Mixed as Tech Weakness Persists Amid Easing Iran Tensions

index Update

US equities closed on a mixed note on Monday as investors closely tracked developments in the Middle East and the possibility of renewed US-Iran negotiations. The S&P 500 edged down 0.1%, while the Nasdaq lost 0.5%, weighed down by weakness in major technology and semiconductor stocks. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 160 points, supported by gains in energy, consumer staples, and financial shares. Seagate declined nearly 7% after management indicated that expanding Manufacturing capacity would require significant time, triggering concerns over potential Supply constraints in the memory-chip industry and pushing Micron Technology down 6%. Other large-cap technology stocks, including Nvidia, Apple, Meta, and Broadcom, also traded lower, while Tesla dropped 2.9% amid concerns that the planned SpaceX IPO could divert investor attention and Capital.

Market Movers

Among the session’s top gainers, Huachen AI Parking Management Technology Holding Co., Ltd. surged 98.56%, while GeoVax Labs, Inc. advanced 79.67%. On the downside, Lichen International Limited declined 46.75%, and Banzai International, Inc. dropped 33.68%, making them the weakest performers of the Trading session

Commodities Update

Commodity prices moved lower on Tuesday as hopes for easing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran reduced safe-haven Demand and eased concerns surrounding immediate oil supply disruptions. WTI crude slipped toward $103 per barrel, while Brent Crude eased to around $110 per barrel after President Donald Trump stated that he had suspended a planned military strike on Iran following requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The comments raised expectations that diplomatic discussions could resume despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, gold fell below $4,550 an ounce and silver declined toward $76 an ounce as elevated oil prices and persistent Inflation concerns continued to support expectations of tighter Monetary Policy. Market Participants also remained focused on upcoming FOMC minutes and US PMI data for additional economic and policy signals.

Macro Updates

Dollar Holds Steady as Safe-Haven Demand Softens

The dollar index hovered near 99 on Tuesday after retreating in the previous session, as optimism surrounding a potential US-Iran agreement reduced demand for defensive Assets. President Donald Trump stated that he had halted a planned strike on Iran after appeals from Gulf nations, increasing hopes that negotiations with Tehran could continue. Despite the recent pullback, the dollar remained supported by elevated oil prices and persistent US inflation, which strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve may maintain higher interest rates for longer. Markets are increasingly ruling out rate cuts this year and are beginning to consider the possibility of an additional rate hike before year-end. Investors are now awaiting the release of FOMC minutes and flash PMI data for further direction.

Bonds Commentary

The Yield on the US 10-year Treasury note stabilized near 4.6% on Tuesday after recent gains, as easing geopolitical concerns helped reduce fears of additional inflationary pressures and aggressive monetary tightening. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend a planned military action against Iran improved market sentiment and raised hopes for renewed diplomatic progress. Nevertheless, Treasury yields remained near their highest levels in more than a year as elevated oil prices and firm inflation data continued to reinforce expectations of higher-for-longer interest rates. Investors are now focused on upcoming Federal Reserve commentary and economic indicators for clearer guidance on the outlook for growth and monetary policy.

Futures Update

US Equity futures moved lower on Tuesday as continued weakness in major technology stocks and concerns surrounding inflation pressured overall market sentiment. Nasdaq 100 futures declined nearly 1% for a second consecutive session, while S&P 500 and Dow futures also traded modestly lower. AI infrastructure companies continued to pull back following strong rallies earlier this month that had been driven by robust Earnings and optimistic growth projections. Seagate remained under pressure, while Nvidia, Tesla, and Meta also traded lower in premarket activity. Meanwhile, Utility stocks outperformed after Dominion Energy extended gains and NextEra Energy rebounded following the announcement of NextEra’s $67 billion Acquisition of Dominion, marking the largest transaction in the power sector to date.

After Friday’s sharp pullback, stocks remained under pressure for much of Monday but recovered into the close, with the Dow even turning positive. On the Daily Chart, the S&P 500 still reflects a strong near-term uptrend, having broken out from its April lows and holding above rising 21 and 50 EMAs—signs of sustained bullish momentum. The index recently tested fresh highs around the 7,450–7,500 range but is now showing some hesitation through smaller candles, pointing to possible consolidation or light profit-taking. RSI has eased from overbought levels into the mid-60s, suggesting momentum remains constructive without being stretched. Volume hasn’t meaningfully expanded on the recent advance, indicating a steady rather than aggressive rally. In the short term, the bias stays bullish as long as price holds above the 7,350–7,380 support zone, where dips may attract buyers; a break below could open the door for a pullback toward the 21 EMA.