Dow Futures Jump 1.6% as Iran Deal Hopes Lift Nasdaq 100

Dow futures rose alongside Nasdaq 100 futures, which jumped 1.6%, after reports that the U.S. and Iran were nearing a peace deal. Brent crude fell 9.2 per cent to below US$100 a barrel, while bond yields also dropped sharply.

The move was broad and fast. S&P 500 futures gained one per cent, and both major equity benchmarks were set to build on record highs as traders priced in a different path for the Middle East.

One-page memorandum in focus

Reports said both sides were working toward a short, one-page memorandum. That detail points to a narrow framework rather than a full settlement, and it helped push stocks higher while oil sank on the prospect of reduced regional risk.

Negotiations appeared to gain momentum after a pause in U.S. military activity in the region. For equity futures, that shift was enough to change the opening tone; for crude, it was enough to pull Brent sharply lower in a single move.

Iran response due soon

Officials expected a response from Iran on key issues within the next couple of days. That timing keeps the trade open in the near term, and it leaves the current market move tied to a narrow window rather than a settled outcome.

Nasdaq 100 futures were already set to build on record highs, and S&P 500 futures were in the same position. If that momentum holds, traders will be watching whether the deal talk keeps pressure on oil and holds down yields into the next session.