ShutterstockShutterstock called off its planned merger with Getty Images
U.S. stock index futures slipped on Wednesday, kicking off the second half of 2026 cautiously amid fresh doubts over peace in the Middle East, while investors awaited commentary from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. Tehran said it would not meet with top U.S. envoys who flew to the region following an outbreak of hostilities, suggesting that a breakthrough in peace negotiations was not imminent. At 5:20 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis were down 137 points, or 0.26%, S&P 500 E-minis fell 22.5 points, or 0.3%, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis slipped 166.25 points, or 0.54%. Investors are also worried that the Federal Reserve may need to hike rates and keep them elevated to keep inflation under control, with traders expecting at least one rate increase by year-end according to LSEG data. Data released on Tuesday showed U.S. job openings edged up to a two-year high in May, indicating a stable labor market that could give the Fed more room to focus on prices. Major stock movers in the premarket session included Nike, which fell 3.5% after signaling its turnaround strategy still faces obstacles, and Shutterstock, which dropped 28.3% after calling off its planned merger with Getty Images.
ShutterstockShutterstock called off its planned merger with Getty Images
Getty Images Holdings Inc.
Nike IncNike signaled its turnaround strategy still faces obstacles, indicating weak demand