Dow Jones Futures Edge as Trump Eyes Iran Deal or ‘Hell’; SanDisk Leads 7 Stocks to Watch

Market Futures and Geopolitical Tensions

Dow Jones futures, S&P 500 futures, and Nasdaq futures are set to open on Sunday evening, alongside oil price futures. These market indicators often signal the direction of the stock market during the upcoming trading session. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has made several statements regarding Iran, suggesting that if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened, Iran will “live in hell” on Tuesday. However, he also mentioned the possibility of reaching a deal with Iran by Monday.

The stock market rebounded last week, ending a prolonged period of losses. Despite this, crude oil prices have continued to rise sharply. Investors are now watching to see if this early rally can sustain itself. Several leading stocks have shown strength, including KLA Corp., Arm Holdings, Sandisk, Viking Holdings, Caterpillar, ATI, and TJX Cos. Some of these stocks are featured on various watchlists, such as the Leaderboard, IBD Long-Term Leaders, and the IBD 50.

Dow Jones Futures Today

Dow Jones futures are scheduled to open at 6 p.m. ET, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures. On Friday, futures fell slightly, as U.S. stock markets were closed following a stronger-than-expected March jobs report. It’s important to note that overnight movements in futures do not always translate into actual trading activity during the regular stock market session.

Trump’s Statements on Iran

President Trump has been vocal about his stance on Iran, stating on Sunday that “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” He urged Iran to open the Strait or face dire consequences. Later, he told Fox News that he believed a deal could be reached by Monday, although Axios reported that mediators involved in the negotiations are less confident about achieving an agreement.

If no deal is reached, Trump suggested he might consider more aggressive actions, including seizing Iranian oil. However, he did not provide a clear timeline for resolving the situation in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference with the military at 1 p.m. ET on Monday.

Recent Developments in the Region

U.S. commandos rescued an Air Force airman after an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday. The other crew member was rescued earlier that day. Additionally, a growing number of ships, including energy tankers, have left the Strait of Hormuz. Although the numbers are still below pre-war levels, Iran may be using its control over the strait to influence U.S. allies. An Iraqi oil shipment passed through the strait on Sunday after Iran stated that “Brotherly Iraq” could freely transit.

Stock Market Rally Attempt

The stock market rally attempt began last week, with major indexes rising despite soaring oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3%, the S&P 500 rose 3.4%, and the Nasdaq composite surged 4.4%. The small-cap Russell 2000 also saw a 3.3% increase, moving above key technical levels.

Leading stocks have shown strong performance, with many setting up or flashing buy signals. A follow-through day could occur as early as Monday to confirm the rally. The rally is likely to continue as long as the major indexes hold their March 30 intraday lows.

Top Stocks to Watch

Several stocks are showing promise as part of the market rally. Sandisk has moved above the 50-day line and reclaimed a previous buy point. TJX is nearing a breakout, while ARM Holdings is setting up in a cup-with-handle base. KLA has formed a base near a too-low handle entry, and Caterpillar, ATI, and Viking are above their 50-day lines, close to early entries in short consolidations.

What to Do Now

The situation remains uncertain, with a wide range of possible outcomes depending on whether an Iran deal is reached by Monday or if tensions escalate on Tuesday. Investors need to stay prepared, engaged, and patient. Keeping watchlists updated is essential, as numerous stocks across different sectors show potential.

A follow-through day could happen at any time, but investors should approach it with caution. A Trump statement or news about the Iran conflict could trigger a follow-through day, only for the situation to shift rapidly. Gradual exposure is recommended.

Stay informed by reading The Big Picture daily to keep track of market direction and leading stocks and sectors. Follow Ed Carson on Threads at @edcarson1971 and X/Twitter at @IBD_ECarson for the latest stock market updates.

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