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US Equity Futures Mixed as Halt in Middle East Hostilities Holds, Semiconductor Stocks Drop

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US equity futures were mixed pre-bell Tuesday as the pause in hostilities between the US and Iran appeared to hold, while semiconductor-related stocks once again declined.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were 0.7% higher, S&P 500 futures were down 0.1%, and Nasdaq futures were 1% lower.

President Donald Trump said late Monday that the US was having "good talks" with Iran, with a "good chance" that a deal could be made, but warned that US attacks would resume if negotiations failed. Iran's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it had discussions with Saudi Arabia and Oman regarding maritime passage on the Strait of Hormuz.

Traders digested the latest round of earnings, with Coca-Cola (KO) posting higher fiscal Q2 comparable earnings and revenue.

Visa (V) is expected to report its fiscal Q3 earnings after the market closes. Analysts polled by FactSet expect earnings of $3.23 per share on revenue of $11.4 billion.

Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 1.4% at $84.64 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 0.9% lower at $81.83 per barrel.

The international trade in goods report for June, scheduled for release at 8:30 am ET, is expected to show the deficit narrowing to $100 billion from the revised value of $105.9 billion in the prior month, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

The May S&P Case-Shiller home price index is scheduled for release at 9 am ET. The July consumer confidence index, due at 10 am ET, is projected to rise to 92.4 from 91.2. The Richmond Fed manufacturing index for July is also scheduled to be released at 10 am ET.

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