Asia open: US futures slip ahead of Juneteenth

U.S. stock futures declined in early Asian trading on signals tied to a delayed diplomatic trip and a countdown to talks on a possible Iran nuclear agreement. E-mini S&P 500 futures were down about 0.5% and Nasdaq 100 futures fell roughly 0.7%. The U.S. Dollar Index remained above 100.55.

The decline in futures followed a delay to a planned trip by U.S. Vice President JP Vance as a 60-day period began for negotiations on a potential nuclear agreement and a permanent settlement between the U.S. and Iran. The futures weakness contrasted with gains on Wall Street on Thursday, when the Nasdaq 100 rose 2.5%, the S&P 500 gained 1.1% and the Russell 2000 advanced 2.1%.

In fixed income markets, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell about three basis points to 4.45%, remaining slightly above its 50-day moving average near 4.40%. Short-term yields held close to multi-decade highs, leaving the yield curve inverted after the Federal Reserve’s recent dot-plot projections.

Currency markets were led by a strong dollar. The U.S. Dollar Index pushed above the 100.55 level. The euro traded near $1.1458 and the British pound near $1.3205, each close to three-month lows versus the dollar.

Commodities moved lower. West Texas Intermediate crude briefly dipped below $74 a barrel before recovering to around $75.50, testing its 200-day moving average after about a 10% drop on the week. Brent crude traded near $79.25 a barrel. Spot gold fell about 1.4% to close near $4,209 per ounce and moved toward its June 11 low near $4,024 in early Asian trade.

Technical readings on WTI show the price decline stalling at the 200-day moving average. Hourly momentum indicators flagged a bullish divergence in oversold territory. Short-term support levels are identified near $75.25 and $73.40, with immediate resistance at $80.75 and a wider gap area around $82.98–$84.94. A clear hourly close below $73.40 would likely open further downside toward $70.25 and lower targets near $67.40–$66.10.

U.S. markets will be closed for Juneteenth later in the week, so trading volumes are expected to be lighter. Market participants are watching diplomatic developments, upcoming Federal Reserve commentary and movements in energy prices for near-term direction.