US stock futures fall as Iran rules out direct ceasefire talks Global markets faced renewed volatility on Thursday as geopolitical tensions escalated, with US stock futures declining amid concerns over the lack of progress in peace efforts involving Iran. The TSX also saw losses, reflecting investor unease over the situation. Further pressure on equities came after former President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about his willingness to engage in a deal with Iran, adding to the market's apprehension. In Europe, Germany’s DAX index closed lower, dropping 1.64% as losses across key sectors weighed on investor sentiment. The MDAX and TecDAX indices also fell, with declines of 1.91% and 1.89%, respectively. The broader market reaction was driven by fears of prolonged instability in the Middle East, which has historically disrupted global trade and financial flows. Among individual stocks, several companies saw significant price movements. Positive gains were recorded by PCBL Chemical, HDFC Bank, and Reliance Industries, while others like Billwin Industries and Pecos Hotels and Pubs Ltd faced sharp declines. The stock performance data highlighted the mixed sentiment among investors, with some sectors showing resilience despite the overall market downturn. Commodity markets also reflected the geopolitical uncertainty. Gold prices edged higher as a safe-haven asset, while oil prices fluctuated amid speculation about potential supply disruptions. The market’s reaction underscored the interconnectedness of global financial systems and the sensitivity of markets to political developments. The situation in Iran remains a focal point for policymakers and investors, with ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts expected to shape the near-term outlook.#us_stock_futures #tsx #dax_index #mdax_index #tecdax_index
