US Indices Hold Record Gains Amid Apple Surge and Escalating Iran Tensions

US equity futures maintained positive momentum on Friday, following a session where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both reached new all-time highs. The S&P 500 notably closed above the 7,200 threshold for the first time, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed with a 1.6% gain. The current market environment is characterized by a tug-of-war between robust corporate fundamentals and acute geopolitical instability. While record-breaking earnings are fueling a rally in mega-cap tech, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran are introducing volatility into energy markets and global shipping routes. Apple shares climbed nearly 3% in after-hours trading after reporting record revenue and earnings per share, driven by a more than 20% increase in iPhone sales for the second straight quarter. Similarly, Reddit shares jumped over 13% following a beat in first-quarter results and an increase in daily active users. Market caution persists as reports emerge that the U.S. administration is reviewing military options against Iran. This friction has directly impacted the energy sector, with Brent crude recently spiking to a four-year high of $126 per barrel before retreating to approximately $114. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten global oil supply chains. Investors are now pivoting toward energy sector results, with reports from Exxon Mobil and Chevron expected before the opening bell to determine if corporate strength can continue to outweigh geopolitical headwinds.