FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

Exchange-Traded Funds, Equity Futures Rise Pre-Bell Tuesday Amid Renewed Hopes Around Middle East Peace Deal

By

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was up 0.7% and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) was 1% higher in Tuesday's premarket activity amid renewed hopes of peace between the US and Iran after President Trump said talks are "proceeding nicely."

US stock futures were higher, with S&P 500 Index futures up 0.7%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures advancing 0.6%, and Nasdaq futures gaining 1% before the start of regular trading.

The Chicago Federal Reserve Bank's monthly National Activity Index rebounded to a reading of 0.14 in April from minus 0.15 in March, compared with expectations for a smaller gain to minus 0.03 in survey of analysts compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:30 am ET.

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank's monthly nonmanufacturing activity index declined to minus 23.6 in May from minus 16.5 in the previous month, compared with the expectations for an increase to minus 13 in a survey compiled by Bloomberg, indicating more widespread contraction in the sector.

The Case-Shiller National Home Price index rose by 0.7% in March before seasonal adjustment following a 0.3% increase in February.

Consumer confidence data for May is due at 10 am ET.

The Dallas Fed's manufacturing reading for May will be released at 10:30 am ET.

In premarket activity, bitcoin was down by 0.1%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 1.8% higher, Ether ETF (EETH) advanced 2.9%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) retreated by 0.4%.

Power Play:

Industrial

The State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) advanced 0.7%, while the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) lost 0.03%, and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) was flat.

Elbit Systems (ESLT) stock was up more than 10% before the opening bell after the company reported higher Q1 non-GAAP earnings and revenue.

Winners and Losers:

Financial

The State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) advanced 0.4%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 1.2%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was 1.1% lower.

FinVolution (FINV) shares were up more than 5% pre-bell after the company reported higher-than-expected Q1 adjusted earnings and net revenue.

Consumer

The State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was up 0.1% and the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) gained by 0.02%. The iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) was down 0.6%. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) increased by 0.6%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) was inactive, while the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) was 0.3% higher.

Ferrari (RACE) shares were down more than 3% pre-bell a day after the company said it has launched a new all-electric Luce sports car, expanding its lineup with a dedicated electric platform.

Technology

The State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) increased by 1.5%, and the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 1.2% higher, while the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was up 1.5%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) gained by 4.1%, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) rose by 2.8%.

WeRide (WRD) shares were up more than 1% in premarket activity after the company said it will operate its autonomous Robobus at the Roland-Garros for a third consecutive year with Renault Group.

Energy

The iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) was flat, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) was down by 1.2%.

Eni (E) stock was down more than 2% before the opening bell a day after falling 1.4% at the prior close. The company and its partners, Petroci and Vitol, approved the final investment decision for Cote d'Ivoire's Baleine Phase 3 project, advancing development of the country's largest hydrocarbon discovery.

Health Care

The State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) advanced 0.4%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) was up 0.6%, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) gained by 0.9%. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was 0.4% higher.

Eli Lilly (LLY) stock was up more than 1% premarket after the company said it agreed to acquire Curevo, LimmaTech Biologics and Vaccine in deals worth up to nearly $3.83 billion in total.

Commodities

Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil advanced by 1.2% to $97.49 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas was down 1.2% at $2.98 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) retreated by 0.7%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 0.9% lower.

Gold futures for July retreated by 0.5% to $4,521.20 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures declined by 0.8% to $76.09 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) was down by 0.4%, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) fell by 1.3%.

Related Articles

Commodities

IMO Expands Safety Rules for Hydrogen, Ammonia Fuel Use

The International Maritime Organization's Maritime Safety Committee approved a series of new interim training and safety guidelines covering ammonia, methanol, hydrogen and liquefied hydrogen, DNV said on Friday.The IMO's MSC held its 111th session from May 13 to May 22.DNV said that the MSC approved "Interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel" along with separate guidance for vessels operating on ammonia fuel.MSC 111 endorsed a work plan to further develop training requirements for seafarers serving on vessels using low- and zero-carbon fuels and emerging propulsion technologies, reflecting the industry's growing shift toward alternative energy systems.The committee, in addition to training standards, approved safety guidance for ships using hydrogen as fuel, marking another step in the regulatory framework for one of the shipping sector's most closely watched future energy options.For ammonia, MSC 111 approved interim guidelines addressing the use of ammonia cargo as fuel on gas carriers. The guidance focuses on safe handling practices, particularly in areas outside cargo zones, with an emphasis on protecting crew and vessel safety.The committee also adopted revisions to existing recommendations for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk, updating Resolution MSC.565. The revision introduces a new section on cargo containment systems for membrane-type tanks, including provisions for maintaining vacuum-sealed insulation spaces.Separately, MSC 111 approved draft amendments to Safety of Life at Sea, also known as SOLAS, Chapter II-1, clarifying that the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels or the IGF Code applies to ships using gaseous fuels regardless of flashpoint characteristics.The amendments introduce a formal definition of "gaseous fuels" and update related provisions on "low-flashpoint fuels."Consequential amendments to the IGF Code were also agreed upon, aligning technical definitions and scope across the regulatory framework.DNV said that the draft amendments to SOLAS and the IGF Code are expected to enter into force on July 1, 2028, subject to formal adoption at MSC 112 in December 2026.

Commodities

India Eases LPG Connection Rules for Consumers Moving to PNG Networks

India notified amendments to the liquefied petroleum gas supply rules on Monday, allowing consumers with piped natural gas connections to terminate or restore LPG access under new, more flexible provisions.The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Regulation of Supply and Distribution Amendment Order, 2026, according to a government statement.The revised rules target domestic LPG consumers who later obtain PNG connections and seek greater flexibility in managing fuel access, the ministry said.Under the amendment, consumers can apply to terminate their LPG connection within 30 days after receiving a piped natural gas connection.Consumers can also request a transfer voucher that allows future restoration of the LPG connection if they later move to areas without piped natural gas infrastructure.The amendment provides additional convenience for households relocating to regions where PNG networks are still unavailable.The ministry said transferable employees, migrant families, tenants, students and households shifting to non-PNG areas are expected to benefit from the revised provisions.

Commodities

EU Officials Stress Energy Security Risks at Copenhagen Infrastructure Forum

European Union policymakers and industry leaders said at the Copenhagen Energy Infrastructure Forum that geopolitical tensions are increasing the need for stronger energy networks.Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jorgensen and Danish Deputy Permanent Secretary Christian Stenberg opened the two-day forum in Copenhagen on May 21.Participants said conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have exposed the risks tied to energy dependence while increasing pressure on Europe to strengthen energy security.Speakers said Europe now views the energy transition as both an economic and an environmental priority, as global rivals continue to advance clean-energy technologies.Discussions on electricity infrastructure focused on expanding and modernizing power grids while improving the use of existing networks through digital systems and grid-enhancing technologies.Participants said smarter planning and better technology could reduce congestion, lower expansion costs and prepare networks for rising future electricity demand across Europe.The forum highlighted financing challenges facing energy infrastructure projects and called for greater private investment alongside public support and new financing tools where needed.Participants also backed greater transparency for investors through tools such as Capacitypedia and the Distribution Network Development Plans platform to improve visibility into grid capacity.Participants said European Union countries must move faster in applying hydrogen legislation as the focus shifts from policy planning to practical infrastructure development.The forum highlighted the European Union's Hydrogen Mechanism as a key tool to improve coordination across the hydrogen market and reduce investment risks for transmission projects.The European Commission and Denmark's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities organized the annual forum, which ended with calls for faster cooperation and project implementation.