Futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.2% before the opening bell, as did Nasdaq futures. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up 0.3%.
Oil prices remained elevated over disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil and gas transit, with shipping activities still well below before the Iran war began in late February. Talks between the U.S. and Iran have dragged on, adding to uncertainty.
Brent crude, the international standard, gained $1.86 to $104.44 a barrel. It was trading around $70 per barrel in February before the war’s start. Benchmark U.S. crude rose $1.09 to $97.44 a barrel.
On Thursday, Republicans in Congress delayed until June planned votes on dismissing legislation that would compel President Trump to withdraw from the war.
