Stocks Set to Open Higher on U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes, U.S. Inflation Data Awaited

U.S. markets were set to open higher as S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures rose on hopes of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire, offsetting aggressive rhetoric from President Trump. Strong March payrolls and falling unemployment further supported risk sentiment, while investors await key U.S. inflation prints (CPI and core PCE) and Fed minutes that could influence policy views. Energy-market developments — including ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz and mixed oil-price moves — and elevated Treasury yields (10-year at ~4.36%) add uncertainty. Asian markets also reacted, with Japan’s Nikkei higher but well off session highs after hitting the 54,000 level. Pre-market movers included chip and crypto-exposed stocks, with Bitcoin up and several large-cap names gaining. Overall, the piece is a market commentary laying out drivers for a risk-on open while flagging inflation data and geopolitical risks that could quickly change the outlook.