U.S. futures mixed after ceasefire extension, earnings

U.S. stock index futures were uneven late Thursday, April 23, 2026, as investors weighed a geopolitical update from President Donald Trump alongside a fresh round of corporate results released after the closing bell.

In futures trading, contracts linked to the S&P 500 were largely unchanged, while Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.4%. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures moved lower, down 47 points, or 0.1%.

The positioning followed a down session for cash equities earlier Thursday. The S&P 500 ended the day down 0.4% and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.9%, even after both benchmarks set new intraday highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also finished lower, dropping 180 points, or 0.4%.

Officials said the late-day reversal underscored how quickly sentiment can shift when markets are tracking both earnings momentum and geopolitical headlines. The focus remained on developments in the Middle East, with attention on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping corridor, even as investors continued to parse company guidance and quarterly performance.

President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. The announcement arrived as traders assessed how regional stability could influence risk appetite across global markets, particularly in areas sensitive to disruptions in trade and energy transport routes.

After-hours earnings were a major driver of individual stock moves. Intel shares jumped 19% in late trading after the chipmaker reported first-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations and issued an upbeat outlook for the current quarter.

The move added to strength in semiconductors more broadly. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) logged its 17th straight positive session, reflecting continued demand for the sector in recent trading.

Other earnings-related moves were mixed. SAP shares also advanced, while Boyd Gaming traded lower following its own results.

With major U.S. benchmarks having pulled back despite touching fresh intraday highs, investors were left balancing two competing forces: company-specific signals from earnings season and the potential for rapid shifts in global risk sentiment tied to Middle East developments. Market participants continued to monitor both sets of inputs for clarity, with uncertainty centered on how long the current geopolitical calm and earnings optimism can persist.