Stock Markets March 16, 2026

US Futures Slip After Tech-Led Rally and Retreat in Oil Prices

Technology gains and easing crude support equities as markets await the Fed; futures tick lower in evening trade

By Hana Yamamoto NVDA LULU DOCU
US Futures Slip After Tech-Led Rally and Retreat in Oil Prices
NVDA LULU DOCU

U.S. equity futures edged down Monday evening following a strong intraday rebound led by technology stocks and a modest pullback in oil prices. Traders are shifting focus to the Federal Reserve policy decision due Wednesday and upcoming corporate earnings, with the Middle East conflict and energy supply concerns keeping volatility risks alive.

Key Points

  • U.S. futures fell about 0.2% for the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow in evening trade after a tech-led rebound in the regular session.
  • Major indexes rose in the regular session: Dow +0.8%, S&P 500 +1.0%, NASDAQ Composite +1.2%, driven by gains in technology and chip stocks.
  • Oil prices retreated after recent gains, but the Middle East conflict entering its third week keeps energy-supply risks and market caution elevated; the Fed decision on Wednesday and corporate earnings (LULU, DOCU) are key near-term catalysts.

U.S. stock-index futures drifted modestly lower on Monday evening after major benchmarks posted solid gains in the regular session, powered by strength in technology shares and a decline in crude oil. By 20:24 ET (00:24 GMT), S&P 500 Futures were down about 0.2% at 6,745.0 points, Nasdaq 100 Futures slipped roughly 0.2% to 24,844.0 points, and Dow Jones Futures fell near 0.2% to 47,207.0 points.

Market rebound driven by tech

During the regular trading session, the three main U.S. indexes advanced notably. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.8%, the S&P 500 gained 1.0%, and the NASDAQ Composite increased 1.2%. Technology stocks were the primary contributors to the upside as chipmakers rallied following new product announcements at Nvidia's annual developer conference. Comments from Nvidia's Chief Executive, Jensen Huang, in which he said he expects $1 trillion in orders for Nvidia's Blackwell and Vera Rubin systems through 2027, supported investor optimism in the sector.

Energy market developments

Energy prices pulled back from recent highs and provided a backdrop for the equity moves. Crude oil retreated on Monday after a period of gains since tensions began between Israel and Iran. Despite the intraday decline, geopolitical developments remain a source of market caution: the conflict has entered its third week and attacks on shipping routes and energy infrastructure continue to threaten supplies moving through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for global oil flows. U.S. President Donald Trump said efforts to organize a coalition to escort oil tankers through the strait were still under discussion and had not yet been finalized, signaling the issue remains unresolved.

Fed decision and corporate calendar

Attention in markets is shifting toward the Federal Reserve's policy decision scheduled for Wednesday. The central bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged as policymakers weigh the impact of elevated oil prices and geopolitical tensions on both inflation and economic growth. Investors will be watching updated economic projections and remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell for any indications about the timing of potential rate cuts later in the year.

Corporate earnings will also influence near-term sentiment. Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ:LULU) and DocuSign (NASDAQ:DOCU) are scheduled to report quarterly results on Tuesday, which may add to market-moving data ahead of the Fed decision.


Bottom line

After a tech-led recovery in the regular session and a modest retreat in oil prices, U.S. futures were slightly lower in evening trade as investors refocus on the Federal Reserve decision and upcoming corporate earnings. Geopolitical risks in the Middle East continue to pose supply and volatility concerns for energy markets and, by extension, broader equity sentiment.

Risks

  • Geopolitical instability in the Middle East - attacks on shipping routes and energy infrastructure could disrupt supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting the energy sector and broader market volatility.
  • Uncertainty around Federal Reserve guidance - while rates are widely expected to remain unchanged, updated economic projections and comments from the Fed chair could shift expectations for the timing of rate cuts, influencing interest-rate-sensitive sectors.
  • Corporate earnings surprises - quarterly results from companies such as Lululemon and DocuSign could produce sector-specific moves and affect market sentiment ahead of the Fed meeting.

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