US Futures Slip Amid AI Spending Concerns and Middle East Tensions

Key Facts

U.S. stock index futures dipped on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as concerns over heavy AI spending resurfaced following the first batch of Big Tech earnings. This move reflects investor caution regarding the long-term returns on massive capital expenditures in AI infrastructure, which has placed downward pressure on major index futures during early trading.

In addition to tech sector concerns, oil prices jumped due to the widening Middle East conflict, weighing on overall market sentiment per analyst reports. Rising energy costs are heightening fears of inflationary pressures that could impact monetary policy trajectories, especially as geopolitical instability drives a shift in risk appetite across global markets.

According to the economic calendar, there are no major upcoming U.S. catalysts scheduled for the immediate remainder of the session, leaving the market to focus on tech earnings digestion and geopolitical developments.