U.S. futures slipped slightly as AI buzz clashes with Middle East tension. Tech shares lifted the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq, while European and Asian markets posted gains. Investors eyeed fresh AI listings, with Anthropic filing an IPO and Alphabet targeting an $80 billion raise.

HPE shares surged pre‑market after the server maker confirmed surging AI demand, echoing Marvell’s rally following Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s comment that the AI surge could crown it the next $1 trillion company. Analysts noted that AI demand could lift server sales beyond traditional forecasts.

Brent crude fell 2% to about $93 a barrel after yesterday’s rally, which had been sparked by reports that fighting in Lebanon could stall U.S.–Iran talks. Treasury yields eased as war‑risk inflation worries dimmed. Oil traders blamed the drop on renewed uncertainty over regional ceasefire durability.

The day highlights how AI enthusiasm can counterbalance geopolitical jitters. With Alphabet eyeing a massive capital raise and AI‑driven firms rallying, market participants face a complex mix of tech optimism and regional uncertainty that will shape near‑term valuation swings. Short‑term volatility may rise as earnings season approaches, testing sentiment.