Intel Surge and Geopolitical Thaw Lift U.S. Futures

U.S. stock futures are pointing toward a positive opening session on Friday, led by a dramatic rally in the semiconductor sector. Intel (INTC) shares surged more than 25% in pre-market trading following a first-quarter earnings report that significantly outperformed analyst expectations and provided optimistic revenue guidance for the second quarter. The positive momentum extends to the consumer staples sector, where Procter & Gamble (PG) also reported fiscal third-quarter results that beat estimates. This corporate strength provides a pivot after Thursday's session, which saw the Nasdaq slide 0.9% to 24,438.50 and the S&P 500 drop 0.4% to 7,108.40. Energy markets are providing additional tailwinds as crude oil prices slide to $94.89 a barrel. The decline follows reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is traveling to Pakistan for peace talks, coupled with an announcement from President Donald Trump regarding a three-week ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon. Investors are now awaiting the University of Michigan's revised April consumer sentiment reading, which is expected to remain at a record low of 47.6. Meanwhile, global markets remain fragmented, with Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining 1% while European indices, including the FTSE 100 and CAC 40, trade lower.