Stock futures mixed amid Middle East tensions, earnings and inflation data in focus

Stock futures were mixed as Middle East tensions escalated, with traders awaiting earnings and inflation data. The Dow and S&P 500 finished lower, while the Nasdaq snapped a three-day winning streak as oil rally fueled inflation worries and semiconductor stocks fell.

Why it matters: Futures for the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq declined as traders lifted Fed rate hike bets ahead of key inflation data.