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Wall Street futures pointed to a mixed opening on Tuesday as investors assessed another decline in oil prices and awaited developments at the United Nations General Assembly.

The cautious indications followed a strong session on Monday, when the Nasdaq Composite reached a record closing high amid renewed optimism about artificial intelligence.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gained 0.33%, S&P 500 futures rose approximately 0.05%, and Nasdaq futures edged down 0.02%.

The slight decline in Nasdaq futures suggested that technology shares could encounter some resistance following their substantial gains in the previous session.

Investors Await Trump’s UN Speech and Possible Iran Talks

US President Donald Trump’s address to the United Nations General Assembly was among the principal events attracting market attention on Tuesday.

Investors were also monitoring the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York.

Trump indicated that significant developments could occur soon and said he was in a “deciding mode” over whether to take military action, continue applying economic pressure or pursue an agreement.

Expectations of potential diplomatic progress contributed to the decline in crude prices, easing some concerns about the inflationary impact of energy costs.

Nasdaq Surges 2.26% to Record Closing High

US equities rallied on Monday as falling Treasury yields and lower oil prices supported sentiment, alongside renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence.

The major indices opened firmly higher and continued to advance throughout the trading session, eventually closing at their intraday highs.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 366.19 points, or 0.71%, to 52,048.83.

The Nasdaq Composite recorded the largest percentage gain among the three benchmarks, rising 599.55 points, or 2.26%, to a record close of 27,122.09.

The S&P 500 added 114.20 points, equivalent to 1.49%, ending the session at 7,764.70.

Tuesday’s futures movements indicated a less decisive start following those gains, with the Nasdaq showing a marginal decline ahead of the opening bell.

Oil Falls More Than 4.5%, Pressuring Energy Shares

Energy stocks weakened on Monday as crude oil prices declined sharply amid hopes that diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran could help ease tensions in the Middle East.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures for October delivery fell more than 4.5% to $95.70 a barrel.

The drop in energy prices helped reduce inflation concerns and supported the broader market, even as oil-related shares came under pressure.

Crude prices continued to decline on Tuesday, keeping energy markets in focus ahead of the US trading session.

Lower Treasury Yields Provide Additional Support

The yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury note fell below 5% on Monday as the decline in oil prices eased concerns about inflation.

Lower bond yields can support equity valuations by reducing borrowing costs and making shares relatively more attractive than fixed-income investments.

The combination of falling oil prices, lower Treasury yields and interest in artificial intelligence helped drive Monday’s gains.

Ahead of Tuesday’s opening, however, futures showed a more restrained market response as investors awaited Trump’s UN address and further developments concerning Iran.

Investa is taking its zero-commission proposition a step further, launching what it says is the UK’s first completely free U.S. share trading service – removing commission, FX fees and other trading charges.

The FCA-regulated trading platform challenges both the traditional and zero-commission model by eliminating the transaction costs associated with share dealing.

Under the new service, Investa customers can trade U.S. shares without paying commission, foreign exchange fees or other trading fees, subject to an annual fair-use limit per account.

The limits are £250,000 in total trade value, 50 trades or 5,000 shares traded, with whichever threshold is reached first applying.

That distinction is important because while zero-commission trading has become increasingly common across investment platforms, investors can still face additional costs, particularly when trading overseas markets. Investa’s proposition is designed to address those additional charges alongside the headline commission.

Taking zero commission further

The launch represents another step in Investa’s strategy of making retail access to stocks and options simpler and more transparent.

Alec Beasley, CEO of Investa, said the investment platform sector had undergone a significant shift in charging models, with firms moving towards zero-commission trading while often retaining FX fees.

“Now, we’re delighted to be the first platform in the UK to offer completely free share trading,” said Beasley.

The company says the objective is to remove barriers to both stocks and options trading, giving customers access to more trading strategies through a single platform.

For UK retail investors interested in U.S. equities, eliminating FX charges could be particularly relevant. Currency conversion can otherwise represent an additional cost when buying and selling dollar-denominated assets, even where headline dealing commission has been reduced to zero.

Stocks and options under one roof

Investa’s proposition extends beyond conventional share dealing.

The platform already gives customers access to more than 300,000 options contracts across popular U.S. stocks and ETFs without commission, although the company notes that other fees may apply.

The company describes itself as a mobile-based stocks and options trading platform built specifically to make options trading more accessible to UK retail investors. Its platform combines simplified product design with education-led onboarding, reflecting the growing interest in options among individual investors while recognising the complexity of the products.

The new free share trading service therefore gives Investa another potential route to attract users before introducing them to its wider range of products.

Growing investor backing

The announcement also comes against the backdrop of significant investor support for the business.

Investa says it has raised £3.8 million from more than 1,000 investors, with its first Crowdcube campaign closing six days ahead of schedule.

The company says that campaign was the most participated-in UK fintech raise on Crowdcube in 2024.

That existing investor base provides an indication of the interest surrounding Investa’s attempt to build a different model for retail investing.

The company has also been experimenting with ways to align its customers with its own growth. Earlier this year, Investa launched a rewards programme under which eligible early users were granted options over up to £1,000 worth of Investa shares, potentially allowing them to participate in the company’s future growth.

A referral programme is also due to launch shortly, running until 31 October 2026. Eligible customers who refer others, along with those they refer, can receive options over £100 worth of Investa shares.

Turning customers into stakeholders

The thinking behind the rewards and referral initiatives is notable.

Investa argues that customers play an important role in helping a platform grow, yet traditionally it is shareholders, founders and employees who benefit financially from that growth.

By offering eligible customers exposure to Investa’s own equity through options, the company is attempting to create a closer relationship between platform growth and its user community.

Combined with free U.S. share dealing, the strategy could give Investa a differentiated proposition in an increasingly competitive retail investing market.

Android launch expands reach

The free U.S. share trading service is available alongside Investa’s existing iOS offering, with the platform now also available on Android via Google Play.

That potentially broadens the addressable mobile audience at the same time as the company launches its free share trading service.

Investa’s announcement was made at the Investa x Cboe Global Markets event on 17 September, underlining the company’s focus on building its presence within the wider trading ecosystem.

For more information visit – https://www.investa.co.uk/

Gold prices moved lower on Tuesday as a firmer US dollar and expectations of further Federal Reserve interest rate increases weighed on the precious metal.

At 04:43 ET (08:43 GMT), spot gold declined 0.5% to $4,320.19 an ounce, while gold futures fell 0.7% to $4,355.90 an ounce.

Investors were weighing the impact of last week’s Fed rate increase alongside changes in oil prices and developments in the Middle East.

Stronger Dollar Weighs on Bullion

The US dollar index edged higher to 100.50, adding pressure to gold prices.

The index measures the dollar against a basket of other currencies. When the dollar strengthens, gold becomes more expensive for buyers using other currencies, potentially reducing demand.

Gold also faces pressure when interest rates rise because it does not pay interest. Higher yields on competing assets can increase the opportunity cost of holding bullion.

Market participants are therefore closely monitoring the Federal Reserve’s next policy decisions following last week’s rate increase.

Oil Price Movements Influence Inflation Expectations

The sharp decline in oil prices over recent sessions has helped ease some concerns about inflation, providing a degree of support for gold.

However, crude prices subsequently rebounded, leaving Brent futures trading above $100 a barrel.

Investors are monitoring possible diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran during this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.

At the same time, fighting in Yemen between Iran-backed Houthi militants and Saudi-backed forces has raised concerns about shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The waterway is an important route for Saudi crude shipments, and disruptions could affect energy supplies and contribute to inflationary pressures.

Deutsche Bank Notes Reduced Expectations for Rapid Rate Hikes

The recent decline in oil prices has prompted investors to reconsider the expected pace of further Federal Reserve tightening.

Deutsche Bank analysts said:

“For now the momentum is on the more positive side though and with inflation fears subsiding again, that meant investors dialled back the likelihood of rapid rate hikes, even if plenty are still priced in for the month ahead.”

The Fed has indicated that further interest rate increases may be necessary before the end of the year to address inflationary pressures associated with energy costs.

Expectations of prolonged monetary tightening remain a potential headwind for gold, as higher interest rates can make interest-bearing investments more attractive relative to bullion.

Fed Officials’ Remarks Remain in Focus

Investors are awaiting further comments from Federal Reserve officials this week for indications of the central bank’s approach to inflation and interest rates.

St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem told Reuters on Monday that policymakers may need to raise rates promptly to prevent inflation from remaining substantially above the central bank’s 2% target.

His comments followed last week’s rate increase and reinforced market attention on the possibility of additional tightening.

The dollar’s advance, together with uncertainty over future borrowing costs and energy prices, contributed to gold’s decline during Tuesday’s early trading.

Oil prices advanced on Tuesday, ending a four-session losing streak as traders assessed the prospect of diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran alongside developments affecting crude exports from Saudi Arabia.

At 04:18 ET (08:18 GMT), November Brent futures rose 1.3% to $101.59 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 0.7% to $96.45 a barrel.

The increase followed Monday’s decline, when Brent fell 3.4% and WTI dropped 4.5%. Both benchmarks closed at their lowest levels since 9 September.

Crude Recovers as Investors Reassess Geopolitical Risks

Oil futures regained some of the previous session’s losses as continuing tensions in the Middle East kept supply disruption risks in focus.

ING analysts said:

“Crude oil prices recovered this morning, clawing back some of yesterday’s losses as persistent Middle East tensions continued to support risk premiums.”

US President Donald Trump has indicated that he would be willing to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

Iran has also reportedly communicated conditions for restarting negotiations through intermediaries.

The developments have raised the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement, although the supplied report does not confirm that talks have been arranged or that an agreement is imminent.

Oil markets continue to assess whether diplomacy could reduce regional tensions and improve the security of energy shipments.

Saudi Oil Exports Through Hormuz Rise

Reports of higher Saudi crude shipments have helped ease some immediate concerns about regional oil availability.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly increased exports through the Strait of Hormuz following disruptions to its main east-west pipeline.

Satellite information cited by Reuters showed that Saudi oil shipments through the waterway averaged approximately 2.9 million barrels per day over the preceding six days, significantly above August levels.

The increase indicates that more crude has been moving through Hormuz despite the continuing conflict.

However, the route remains vulnerable to further disruption, leaving shipping conditions an important consideration for oil traders.

Yemen Fighting Adds to Maritime Supply Risks

The conflict in Yemen has created additional concerns about the security of oil transportation.

Iran-aligned Houthi forces have been fighting Saudi-backed groups for strategically important territory, including areas overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The narrow passage links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and provides access to international shipping routes.

Saudi Arabia has relied on Bab el-Mandeb to transport crude to global markets following severe disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Further fighting around the waterway could affect the country’s export arrangements and increase shipping risks.

Libyan Output Drops After Pipeline Closure

Production at Libya’s Sharara oil field has fallen sharply after an armed group blocked a pipeline connecting the site to the Zawiya export terminal.

According to ING analysts, output has declined to approximately 127,000 barrels per day from around 340,000 barrels per day.

The reduction represents another disruption to international crude supplies at a time when Middle East shipping conditions remain uncertain.

The supplied report does not indicate when the pipeline might reopen or when production could return to its previous level.

Russian Diesel Export Restrictions May Be Extended

Russia is considering extending restrictions on most diesel exports, according to Bloomberg News.

The potential extension comes as Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure reduce refinery activity.

Diesel prices have reached record levels in the United States and Europe, according to the supplied report, amid export constraints affecting major suppliers including Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

A prolonged Russian export ban could further restrict international diesel availability.

The developments highlight the continuing influence of refinery operations, export policies and regional conflicts on refined fuel markets.

European and British wholesale natural gas futures rose on Tuesday, recovering part of the previous session’s losses as traders reassessed the prospects for diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran.

The benchmark Dutch front-month TTF contract increased 1.6% to approximately €78.80 per megawatt-hour (MWh), moving away from a near two-week low reached on Monday.

In Britain, the equivalent NBP wholesale gas contract also gained 1.6%, reaching around 195.40 pence per therm.

Both contracts had fallen by more than 7% on Monday, recording their largest single-session declines in almost two months.

Dutch and British Gas Futures Recover

European natural gas prices rebounded on Tuesday following a substantial decline at the beginning of the week.

The Dutch TTF front-month contract rose 1.6% to approximately €78.80/MWh, while the British NBP contract advanced by the same percentage to around 195.40 pence per therm.

The recovery followed losses exceeding 7% for both benchmarks on Monday, when prices recorded their steepest daily falls in nearly two months.

The earlier decline came after comments from US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of direct discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Tuesday’s increase indicated that traders were reassessing the immediate implications of those diplomatic developments.

US-Iran Diplomatic Prospects Influence Gas Markets

Trump indicated that he was open to bilateral discussions with Pezeshkian, who is attending the United Nations General Assembly this week.

The comments prompted a decline in energy prices on Monday as traders considered the possibility that renewed negotiations could reduce tensions in the Middle East.

The conflict has continued for seven months, creating concerns about energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and other transport routes in the Persian Gulf.

The prospect of diplomatic engagement reduced some of the additional costs associated with supply disruption risks.

However, the supplied report does not confirm that direct talks have been arranged or that an agreement is imminent.

Gas prices recovered on Tuesday as market participants reassessed those uncertainties.

Supply Constraints Remain a Concern

Despite the possibility of renewed diplomatic contact, physical energy flows through key transport routes in the Persian Gulf remain severely constrained, according to the supplied report.

Restrictions affecting these routes continue to create uncertainty over the availability and transportation of energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz remains particularly important because of its role in international oil and gas shipments.

Any improvement in diplomatic relations could influence market expectations, but the effect on physical supply would depend on subsequent developments.

The recovery in European gas futures reflects the continuing uncertainty surrounding the conflict and the outlook for energy transportation.

Brent Crude Declines as Alternative Shipping Routes Expand

Brent crude futures edged lower on Tuesday after falling approximately 3% in the previous session.

The decline followed reports that energy companies and maritime operators were using alternative arrangements to transport oil from the region.

These included overland pipelines and ship-to-ship loading operations off Oman, intended to bypass transport restrictions in the Persian Gulf.

The arrangements may help maintain some energy shipments despite difficulties affecting established routes.

Lower crude prices provided a contrasting influence to the modest rebound in European gas futures.

The effectiveness of alternative transport arrangements will remain relevant to the outlook for regional energy supplies.

ECB Warns of Faster Inflation Impact From Gas Price Increases

The European Central Bank highlighted the potential inflationary consequences of higher wholesale gas prices in its Economic Bulletin.

According to the ECB, changes in European energy markets since 2022 have accelerated the transmission of wholesale gas price increases to retail prices in many eurozone economies.

The central bank indicated that wholesale gas price surges can affect retail inflation within one to three months in more than half of euro area countries.

This means that renewed increases in wholesale gas prices could feed into consumer inflation relatively quickly.

The findings underline the relevance of energy market developments to inflation expectations and the outlook for European monetary policy.

Outlook

European and British natural gas prices recovered 1.6% on Tuesday after declining by more than 7% in the previous session.

The rebound came as traders reassessed the possibility of direct US-Iran discussions against continuing constraints on energy transportation through the Persian Gulf.

Alternative shipping arrangements and lower crude prices may help alleviate some supply concerns, although the outcome of diplomatic efforts remains uncertain.

Further developments in the Middle East, physical energy flows and wholesale gas prices will remain important for European energy markets and inflation expectations.