Markets Surge on Iran Peace Hopes

0:00It's April 1st. This is U.S. News Today, powered by AI bringing you woodmatters across the U.S. U.S. stock futures climbed this morning after yesterday's huge jump, the biggest in almost a year. Their rally kicked off when President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted the Iran conflict might wrap up soon, maybe even with direct, talks and no full deal needed. Trump plans a national address tonight at 9 p.m., eastern time. Several markets lit up, too, with Europe's main index up over 2 percent. South Korea's cost-beesurging as much as 9 percent, and Japan's Nikki, gaining around 5 percent. Investors are betting on shipping reopening through the strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route. Traders cheered the news, pushing Dow futures up 262 points, or half a percent, S&P 500 futures of 43 points, or 0.66 percent. Nasdaq futures up 226 points, nearly 1 percent.

1:01The fear gauge, or VIX, dropped to its lowest in over a week. Analysts stay cautious, though, saying talks are a good sign but real peace in oil flows could take time, keeping energy prices high. Despite the bounce, major indexes saw their worst monthly drops in a year. Eyes now turn to today's economic reports on jobs, retail sales, and business activity, plus Fed speakers later. Stocks swung wild. Nike down over 10 percent on week sales outlook, while Insino soared nearly 21 percent on strong forecasts. Markets hang on these peace signals amid the data deluge.