Nasdaq, S&P 500 Futures Rise As Nvidia GTC, Iran Tensions, Fed Meet Loom: Why META, MU, SOC, ALDX Are Also In Focus Today

• US President Trump is reportedly weighing options, including potential action around Kharg Island, which accounts for more than 90% of Iran’s oil exports.
• Nvidia will host its annual GTC conference, where CEO Jensen Huang is expected to deliver the keynote address later today.
• Investors are also watching the Federal Reserve meeting this week, a busy earnings calendar, and fresh economic data.

U.S. stock futures edged higher early Monday as investors keep an eye on the deepening conflict in the Middle East, a high-stakes week for the tech sector, and a looming Federal Reserve meeting over the next few days. 

Crude oil prices remain above $100/barrel as the U.S.-Iran war enters its third week. Reports indicate plans to strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, with the Trump administration considering “boots on the ground” to secure the region. 

Meanwhile, the IEA has confirmed that emergency oil reserves will soon be released into global markets. Watch out for oil stocks in trade today: Battalion Oil (BATL), Trio Petroleum (TPET), and Indonesia Energy (INDO), among others.

As of 4:00 a.m. ET on Monday, Nasdaq and S&P futures gained 0.6% each, Dow futures were up 0.4%, and Russell 2000 futures rose 0.7%.

Meanwhile, retail sentiment toward the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), an exchange-traded fund that tracks the S&P 500 Index, and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) ETF, which tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, has moved to ‘extremely bearish’ from ‘bearish’ amid high trading volume. 

Trending Stocks To Watch

Nvidia (NVDA): The chipmaker’s flagship GTC 2026 conference kicks off today, serving as a critical barometer for AI demand following a profit miss by partner Hon Hai (Foxconn). All eyes are on San Jose as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang gears up to deliver the GTC keynote at 11:00 a.m. ET. 

Meta Inc (META): The company is reportedly considering massive layoffs to offset soaring infrastructure costs from its AI pivot.

Micron Technology (MU) is also garnering attention ahead of its earnings report scheduled for Wednesday.

Sable Offshore (SOC): Shares jumped nearly 10% in early pre-market trading on Monday after the U.S. invoked the Defense Production Act to restore offshore oil operations in California to address supply risks.

Warner Bros.(WBD): The stock is on retail radar today following a sweep at the Oscars (including Best Picture) and an upcoming shareholder vote later this week on the Paramount/Skydance merger offer.

Aldeyra Therapeutics (ALDX): Stock has surged 10% in pre-market trade. All eyes are on the FDA today for a PDUFA decision regarding Reproxalap, a high-stakes treatment for dry eye disease.

Other tickers trending on Stocktwits at the time of writing included Cingulate Inc (CING), Sellas Lifesciences (SLS), Robinhood Markets (HOOD), and Almonty Industries (ALM). 

Other Catalysts To Watch

On the economic front, investors will be tracking the NY Fed Manufacturing Index at 8:30 am ET, followed by U.S. Industrial Production at 9:15 am ET today.

Later this week, the spotlight will shift to the Federal Reserve’s March 17–18 policy meeting, where policymakers are widely expected to hold interest rates steady.

On earnings radar, watch out for quarterly reports from Dollar Tree (DLTR), KE Holdings (BEKE), and Science Applications International (SAIC) before the bell. Meanwhile, Semtech (SMTC), Getty Images (GETY), and Bally's (BALY) are among those reporting earnings after the close today. 

For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com

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