U.S. Stocks Steady as Progress in US-Iran Talks Eases Market Concerns

US stock futures paused as investors assessed signs of progress in US-Iran peace talks and prepared for a pivotal inflation report later this week, Rian Howlett and Karen Friar reported for Yahoo Finance.

S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1 percent, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures traded flat. (Photo: New York Stock Exchange Facebook)

S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1 percent, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures traded flat.

Contracts tied to the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 were also little changed as Wall Street prepared for a muted opening following Friday's holiday closure.

Iran said that there had been "encouraging progress" in peace talks with the United States in Switzerland, with both sides agreeing on a roadmap to finalize a deal within 60 days.

The development eased concerns sparked by President Donald Trump's threat of military strikes if Tehran failed to rein in Hezbollah's actions against Israel.

Oil prices declined amid volatile trading as Trump's warning competed with optimism that progress in negotiations could restore normal oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures slipped to just above $79 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude fell to around $75 per barrel.