Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Futures Rise Amid Trump Ceasefire Signals In Iran War

Why NFLX, PBM, WSHP, AMC Are On Watch Tonight

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:50am

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U.S. stock futures traded higher late Thursday after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at fresh record highs earlier in the session, with investors weighing Middle East ceasefire developments alongside improving signs of inflation. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both closed at fresh intraday and record closing highs on Thursday, with the Nasdaq extending its winning streak to 12 consecutive sessions.

Why it matters

The news of a potential ceasefire in the Iran conflict and improving economic data have boosted investor sentiment, leading to record highs for major U.S. stock indexes. This could have significant implications for the broader market and specific sectors and companies that are impacted by geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns.

The details

Trump confirmed a 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and said the Iran war is 'very close to over.' Markets also reacted to cooler-than-expected producer and import price data and lower-than-forecast jobless claims. West Texas Intermediate crude traded near $93 per barrel late Thursday, down more than 3% for the week, while Brent settled above $99.

  • On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire following meetings in Washington.
  • Earlier this week, Trump also said the Iran war is 'very close to over' and that Tehran wants to 'make a deal very badly.'

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who confirmed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and stated that the Iran war is 'very close to over'.

Netflix

The streaming giant whose stock fell 9% in extended trading after issuing second-quarter earnings per share (EPS) guidance below Wall Street expectations and announcing the departure of chairman and co-founder Reed Hastings from the board.

Psyence Biomedical

The biopharmaceutical company whose stock surged to its best session ever on Thursday and gained another 28% in after-hours trading on reports that the White House is preparing an executive order to support further federal research into the psychedelic compound ibogaine.

Avis Budget Group

The car rental company whose stock climbed to its highest level since November 2021 on Thursday amid elevated short interest and large institutional positions, helping drive a squeeze-supported rally.

WeShop Holdings

The retail technology company whose stock posted its best session in five months ahead of quarterly results expected later this month after the company amid momentum from its recent partnership with CAA Executive Search to build out its U.S. leadership team as part of its expansion strategy.

AMC Entertainment Holdings

The movie theater chain operator whose stock is in focus after CEO Adam Aron reiterated support for Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing commitments to increase film output to at least 30 releases annually and restore 45-day theatrical exclusivity windows that could benefit cinema operators.

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What they’re saying

“The next round of in-person negotiations could occur next weekend.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“The Iran war is 'very close to over' and that Tehran wants to 'make a deal very badly'.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

Despite improving sentiment this week, some Gulf Arab and European leaders said a full U.S.-Iran peace agreement could take about six months to finalize even if the current ceasefire holds, according to a Bloomberg report.

The takeaway

The news of a potential ceasefire in the Iran conflict and improving economic data have boosted investor sentiment, leading to record highs for major U.S. stock indexes. This could have significant implications for the broader market and specific sectors and companies that are impacted by geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns.