June 17, 2025: Stock Futures Tumble as Israel-Iran Tensions Spark Market Jitters

Wall Street braces for volatility as geopolitical risks escalate.

Futures slide amid flight to safety—traders dump risk assets like stocks and crypto while loading up on gold and bonds.

Middle East flare-up triggers classic ''risk-off'' mode: Tech stocks and growth assets hit hardest as investors price in potential supply chain disruptions.

Oil prices lurch upward—because nothing fuels market panic like the specter of $200 crude.

Traders scramble to hedge positions while institutional desks quietly whisper about ''buying opportunities''—because even apocalypses are just dip chances to the finance bros.

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Despite the attacks entering a fourth day on Monday, Iran reportedly asked countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar to urge President TRUMP to push Israel for a ceasefire. In return, Iran is said to be offering flexibility on nuclear talks. Meanwhile, Trump posted on Truth Social Monday evening, urging, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.”

During Monday’s regular session, all major indexes ended in positive territory. The S&P 500 climbed 0.94%, the Nasdaq Composite surged 1.5%, and the Dow Jones added 0.75%.

Investors are now eyeing May’s retail sales report, due today. However, the week’s main focus remains the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, set for Wednesday afternoon. According to CME FedWatch data, markets widely expect the Fed to keep rates steady at the current range of 4.25% to 4.50%. On the corporate earnings front, manufacturing services company Jabil (JBL) is set to report their results today.

Meanwhile, the U.S. 10-year treasury yield was down, floating NEAR 4.44%. Simultaneously, WTI crude oil futures are trending higher, hovering near $72.71 per barrel as of the last check. 

At the same time, the Gold Spot U.S. Dollar Price rose to nearly $3,390 per ounce on Tuesday, as rising tensions in the Middle East drove investors toward safer assets.

Elsewhere, European stock markets opened lower on Tuesday as renewed concerns over the Iran-Israel situation continued to dampen market sentiment across the region.

Asia-Pacific Markets Traded Mixed Today

Asia-Pacific indices were mixed on Tuesday as investors weighed the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict following U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for “everyone” to evacuate Tehran without delay.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was down 0.36%. However, Japan’s Nikkei and Topix indices gained 0.59% and 0.35%, respectively. At the same time, China’s Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Component indices closed lower by 0.04% and 0.12%, respectively. 

Disclosure