U.S. equities are poised for a rebound after a volatile week, with tech giant Apple (AAPL) and crude oil (CL=F) leading gains. The VIX index dipped below 18, signaling reduced market fear.
- S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures up 1.2% and 1.5% respectively
- Apple (AAPL) rose 2.4% in pre-market trading
- Crude oil (CL=F) gained 3.1% to $78.60 per barrel
- VIX fell to 17.8, reflecting reduced market volatility
- Defense sector firms rose 1.8% on fiscal policy momentum
- Energy and tech led rebound amid improved risk sentiment
Wall Street is set to open higher as investors digest a week of heightened volatility, with major indexes showing signs of stabilization. The S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq-100 futures rose 1.2% and 1.5% respectively, driven by a rebound in technology and energy sectors. Apple Inc. (AAPL) advanced 2.4% in pre-market trading, contributing significantly to the Nasdaq’s strength amid renewed optimism over AI-driven demand and iPhone sales momentum. Crude oil futures (CL=F) surged 3.1% to $78.60 per barrel, reflecting easing supply concerns following a diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East and a report of unplanned outages in key OPEC+ production facilities. The energy sector's rebound supported broader market sentiment, with Exxon Mobil and Chevron both gaining over 2.7% in early trading. The CBOE Volatility Index (^VIX) declined to 17.8, its lowest level since February 20, indicating a notable reduction in investor anxiety. This shift suggests that risk appetite is returning after a week marked by geopolitical tensions and sharp swings in Treasury yields. The rally comes at a critical juncture for market participants. A sustained recovery could help reverse recent losses in growth stocks and support higher equity valuations, particularly in defense-related aerospace firms, which saw a 1.8% increase amid ongoing defense spending discussions in Washington.