US stock futures stalled on Thursday as traders awaited Iran’s response to a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the ongoing conflict. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures moved little by 7:43 a.m., while West Texas Intermediate slipped 3.5% to about $92.

Investors weighed a flurry of earnings, noting that 410 companies—80% of market cap—reported sales up 11% and earnings up 26%, with surprises hitting 19%. Tech‑led upside could lift the S&P 500 to 7,750 or even 9,000 if consumer sentiment strengthens.

Whirlpool fell 20% after slashing its forecast, citing an “Iran‑war‑triggered recession‑level decline.” In contrast, McDonald’s rose 3.2% and Datadog surged 24% after raising outlooks. Block Inc. faces scrutiny over AI‑driven layoffs, while labor data shows tech layoffs at a three‑year high.

With Friday’s payroll report looming, market focus shifts to how a steady labor market might influence Fed policy. The day’s data signals cautious optimism for tech resilience despite geopolitical uncertainty.