Nasdaq futures pointed to a mixed open Tuesday, March 24, 2026, after the tech-heavy index posted a solid 1.38% gain the previous session on hopes of de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict that briefly sent oil prices tumbling and lifted investor sentiment across Wall Street.

E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures traded little changed to slightly lower in early premarket action, fluctuating near flat after Monday’s relief rally. The Nasdaq Composite closed Monday at 21,946.76, up 299.15 points, or 1.38%, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of “very good and productive” talks with Iran and a decision to postpone strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days.

The move reversed earlier losses tied to soaring oil prices and fears that prolonged Middle East tensions could derail economic growth and keep inflation elevated. The S&P 500 rose 1.15% to 6,581.00, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 631 points, or 1.38%, to 46,208.47. Gains were broad-based, with technology, consumer discretionary and communication services sectors leading the advance as risk appetite returned.

Optimism proved short-lived, however. Iranian state media pushed back on Trump’s claims, stating no direct negotiations had taken place, while reports emerged that some U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf were considering joining operations against Tehran. Oil prices, which dropped sharply Monday, rebounded modestly early Tuesday, adding pressure on rate-sensitive growth stocks that dominate the Nasdaq.

The tech-heavy benchmark has been particularly sensitive to geopolitical developments and energy costs. Higher oil prices raise input expenses for companies and threaten to push inflation higher, reducing expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Interest rate futures now price in virtually no easing before mid-2027, according to the CME FedWatch Tool, a shift that weighs on high-valuation tech names.

Monday’s session marked a sharp reversal from recent volatility. Before Trump’s Truth Social post, futures had pointed to another down day amid the ongoing conflict that has driven West Texas Intermediate crude well above pre-crisis levels. Once the news hit, Dow futures briefly spiked more than 1,100 points, while Nasdaq contracts surged as much as 2.5% in early trading.

Analysts described the market reaction as classic headline-driven trading. “Any signal of diplomatic progress provides immediate relief, especially after weeks of oil-driven selling pressure,” said one strategist at a major Wall Street firm who declined to be named because of firm policy. “But when those signals are contradicted, the rally can fade quickly.”

Technology giants helped power Monday’s gains. Nvidia, Amazon, Meta Platforms and other heavyweights in the Nasdaq-100 rose between 2% and 4% as investors rotated back into growth stocks. The Nasdaq-100 itself climbed about 1.22% to close near 24,188.59.

Broader context shows the Nasdaq has been range-bound in 2026, trading well below its record highs from late 2025. Persistent inflation concerns linked to energy shocks have kept the Federal Reserve on hold longer than many anticipated at the start of the year. The index remains vulnerable to swings in oil and bond yields.

Treasury yields edged higher early Tuesday as traders weighed the balance between growth risks and sticky inflation. The 10-year note yield hovered near recent levels, adding modest pressure on rate-sensitive sectors.

Corporate earnings season continues this week, with several major technology and industrial companies scheduled to report. Results will be scrutinized for resilience amid higher costs and any signs of softening demand tied to geopolitical uncertainty.

The partial federal government shutdown, now entering its sixth week, has added another layer of background noise but has so far had limited direct impact on equity markets compared with the Middle East situation. TSA staffing issues at major airports have drawn attention, yet broader fiscal concerns remain secondary for most investors.

International markets showed mixed performance overnight. European stocks were little changed as traders digested the same headlines. Asian markets closed mostly lower, reflecting caution over global growth prospects if the conflict persists.

For individual investors, the current environment calls for caution amid rapid headline shifts. Portfolio managers recommend maintaining diversification and keeping dry powder to capitalize on volatility. Sectors with exposure to energy or defense have benefited in recent weeks, while pure growth and consumer names have faced pressure when oil spikes.

Retail trading activity has surged during the swings, with many using futures and options to bet on short-term outcomes. Professionals caution against overreacting to single-day moves driven by unconfirmed diplomatic reports.

Looking ahead, the path for the Nasdaq will likely depend on three factors: any fresh developments on U.S.-Iran talks, the trajectory of oil prices, and incoming economic data. Housing figures and consumer confidence readings are due this week, though geopolitical news is expected to dominate.

If diplomatic efforts gain traction and oil moderates, the Nasdaq could extend Monday’s rebound, potentially testing resistance near 22,500. Conversely, renewed escalation or supply disruptions could push the index back toward recent lows around 21,500.

Wall Street opens at 9:30 a.m. Eastern. Early price action will offer clues on whether Monday’s gains can hold or if profit-taking will dominate as skepticism returns.

The Nasdaq’s performance Monday highlighted its role as a barometer for risk sentiment. Heavily weighted toward technology and growth, the index often amplifies both positive and negative macro shocks. Its 1.38% gain erased some recent losses but left it down for the month amid ongoing uncertainty.

Analysts note that while the relief rally was welcome, underlying concerns persist. Higher-for-longer interest rates, combined with elevated energy costs, continue to challenge valuations in the tech sector, where price-to-earnings multiples remain elevated compared with other parts of the market.

As trading begins Tuesday, investors will monitor any new comments from Washington or Tehran that could swing sentiment rapidly. Additional clarity on the scope and timing of potential talks will be key.

In the meantime, Nasdaq futures today signal a cautious tone following the previous session’s volatility. The coming hours and days will test whether the de-escalation hopes can translate into sustained momentum or if geopolitical risks will keep markets on edge.

The tech-heavy index, long a favorite of growth investors, continues to navigate one of its more challenging periods in recent memory, with external shocks testing its resilience.

Billionaire Elon Musk said that Tesla and SpaceX will build an advanced chip facility in Austin, Texas, to help power the two companies’ emerging technologies amid a shortage of chips.

“Terafab will technically be two fabs, each making only one chip design,” Musk wrote Sunday in a post on X. 

One of Terafab’s facilities will be focused on AI chips for Tesla’s electric vehicles and Optimus humanoid robots, while the other will be focused on AI chips for space-based data centers made by SpaceX. 

Musk said that the Terafab chips will be necessary to meet his companies’ demand for computing power that exceeds what it can obtain from suppliers.

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“We either build the Terafab or we don’t have the chips,” Musk said during a presentation in an Austin facility on Saturday, adding that current global chip production would meet only a small fraction of his companies’ future needs.

Musk thanked the companies’ existing chip suppliers, including Samsung, TSMC and Micron, but said that the demand from his companies would eventually exceed total global chip output, prompting the need for the new AI chip plant.

ALTMAN CALLS MUSK’S SPACE DATA CENTER PLANS ‘RIDICULOUS’ FOR CURRENT AI COMPUTING NEEDS

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
TSLA	TESLA INC.	380.85	+12.89	+3.50%

Musk also said that SpaceX’s AI chip for space-based data centers will need to have special characteristics to withstand the environment in space and function as intended.

“We need a high‑powered chip designed for space that takes into account the harsher environment in space, where you’ve got high power, high energy ions, photons, you’ve got electron build up,” Musk said, adding it would need to operate at higher temperatures.

“It’s a hostile environment in space,” Musk explained. “You want to optimize it for space, and you also want to generally run it a little hotter than you would normally run a chip on Earth to minimize the radiator mass.” 

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Musk did not give a timeline for the new project. Musk has a track record of announcing highly ambitious projects, though several have faced delays or fallen away.

Terafab will eventually produce one terawatt of computing capacity a year, compared with about half a terawatt currently generated across the U.S., Musk said.

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Reuters contributed to this report.

Salcombe’s brands are already sold in Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and John Lewis

A Devon distillery is aiming to triple in size over the next five years after reporting 10 per cent year-on-year growth. Salcombe, which produces premium gin, rum and non-alcoholic spirits, said its performance amid challenging market conditions was driven by “disciplined brand positioning, strategic partnerships and international expansion”.

The company’s growth was bolstered by a 40 per cent uplift in travel retail, with the distillery’s brands now listed in some 26 duty free stores across 16 UK airports and on more than 10 cruise ships and cross-channel ferries, including P&O Cruises, P&O Ferries and Brittany Ferries.

Howard Davies, co-founder and director of Salcombe Distilling Co, said: “In a market where premium drinks brands are facing real pressure, we’ve remained clear on who we are and where we fit. Our growth reflects not only the strength of our coastal luxury positioning, but the loyalty of partners and consumers who believe in what we’re building”.

Salcombe also achieved a 25 per cent uplift in the domestic on-trade wholesale market – where drinks are sold and drunk on premises such as in bars and restaurants – which it said reflected a “deliberate strategy of partnership-led expansion”.

Angus Lugsdin, co-founder and director of Salcombe Distilling Co, said: “Travel retail feels like a natural fit for us. We were born on the waterfront, so partnering with leading cruise, ferry and travel operators allows us to bring that coastal story to travellers in an authentic and meaningful way”.

The distillery’s coastal luxury proposition is also gaining traction internationally. Salcombe Gin is now distributed across multiple US states on the east and west coasts, while its non-alcoholic New London Light brand is available nationally in North America via Amazon.

Further export success has followed in Asia, including a recent launch at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, with future expansion planned into other coastal cities where demand for luxury British goods remains strong, Salcombe said.

Salcombe Distilling Co was founded in 2014 by Mr Lugsdin and Mr Davies, who met in the 1990s teaching sailing in Salcombe. In 2016, Salcombe Gin ‘Start Point’ launched alongside completion of the waterfront distillery.

Since launching, Salcombe’s brands have gained a number of prestige listings including in Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and John Lewis & Partners.

Mr Lugsdin added: “Our ambition is clear, to become the world’s number one coastal luxury spirits brand. We will continue to grow thoughtfully, protect our premium positioning and expand internationally across both alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories.”

While US President Donald Trump’s announcement on talks with Iran brought much-needed relief to stock markets and oil prices, some traders may have benefitted from the news even before it was out. ‘Mystery’ bets in oil futures and S&P 500 futures made just before Trump’s announcement have raised eyebrows over possible insider trading.

Trump said on Monday that the US and Iran had very good and productive conversations over the last two days regarding the “complete and total resolution” of the rising hostilities in the Middle East. He announced that the US is postponing all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. After the announcement, oil futures crashed up to 15% to fall below the key $100 per barrel mark, while Wall Street rallied.

However, market analysts noted some mysterious bets made just before the announcement. Just five minutes before Trump’s announcement, S&P 500 futures worth $1.5 billion were bought, while oil futures worth $192 million were sold, according to trading platform Unusual Whales.

Around 6,200 futures contracts linked to Brent and WTI crude were traded in a few seconds before Trump’s announcement, according to a report by the Financial Times. The notional value of these trades was estimated at $580 million, the report further said, adding that it remains unclear whether the trades were executed by a single or multiple participants.

Hence, S&P futures were bought at significantly lower levels minutes before they rallied sharply after Trump’s announcement, according to reports. Oil futures, meanwhile, were sold at sharply higher levels just before they tumbled.

The Economic Times could not independently verify the reports.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai dismissed the allegations of insider trading. “The White House does not tolerate any administration official illegally profiteering off insider knowledge, and any implication that officials are engaged in such activity without evidence is baseless and irresponsible reporting,” he said.Notably, this is not the first time such trades have raised eyebrows before Trump’s announcements. Before the US and Israel conducted joint military strikes on Iran on March 3, killing its former supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei and beginning the war in the oil-rich Middle East, several mysterious bets were placed on prediction-market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi, making millions for investors betting on the outcome of the conflict.

After Trump’s announcement, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said no negotiations have been held with the US. “No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,” Ghalibaf said in a post on X.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

NEW YORK – Travelers heading to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, face significant uncertainty at security checkpoints as a partial federal government shutdown continues to strain Transportation Security Administration staffing, leading to long and unpredictable lines.

JFK Airport has temporarily suspended its official real-time TSA wait time reporting due to the funding lapse, warning passengers that security lines “may be significantly longer than normal” and urging them to allow extra time. Third-party trackers and traveler reports indicate average waits of 15 to 35 minutes in many cases, with peaks reaching 60 to 90 minutes or more during busy periods — and isolated reports of up to three hours over the weekend.

The ongoing DHS funding crisis has prompted higher than usual call-outs among TSA officers, who are working without guaranteed paychecks. At JFK, one of the nation’s busiest international gateways handling more than 60 million passengers annually, the impact has been noticeable across its six terminals.

As of late Monday and early Tuesday, third-party monitoring sites reported general security lines averaging around 18 to 25 minutes during non-peak hours, while TSA PreCheck lanes moved faster in the 5- to 15-minute range when open. However, passenger anecdotes shared on social media and forums described far longer delays, particularly in Terminal 4 and Terminal 5, popular hubs for international and JetBlue flights.

One traveler arriving for a morning flight in Terminal 5 reported waiting nearly 75 minutes on Sunday, calling the experience a “complete disaster” with poor line management. Others noted lines snaking through terminals and even spilling toward check-in areas during peak morning rushes between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Airport officials issued a clear advisory on the JFK website and social media: “Due to the federal funding lapse, security wait times may be significantly longer than normal. Wait times are subject to rapid change based on passenger volumes and TSA staffing. For these reasons, wait time reporting has been temporarily suspended. Please allow for significantly more time and check with your airline for the current status of your flight.”

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates JFK, has not restored live estimates as of Tuesday evening. In normal conditions, JFK security waits average 15 to 30 minutes, with peaks of 30 to 45 minutes during rush hours. This week, those figures have proven unreliable.

Spring break travel combined with the shutdown has exacerbated the situation. Similar disruptions have hit other major hubs, including LaGuardia, Newark Liberty International, Atlanta and Houston, where some passengers faced waits exceeding four hours.

President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that ICE agents would be deployed to assist at airports nationwide to help alleviate staffing shortages. While the move aims to support operations, its immediate effect on TSA screening lines at JFK remains unclear, with mixed reports on whether additional personnel have eased bottlenecks.

Travelers with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR memberships generally report shorter waits, often under 15 minutes even on challenging days. However, even PreCheck lines stretched to 45-90 minutes at times over the weekend at New York-area airports.

Experts recommend arriving at JFK at least three to four hours before international flights and two to three hours for domestic departures during this period. Those without trusted traveler status should plan even more buffer time.

“Conditions can change quickly based on passenger volumes, TSA shift changes and staff availability,” said a Port Authority spokesperson. “We appreciate travelers’ patience as we navigate this federal situation.”

JFK’s terminals vary in typical crowd levels. Terminal 4, home to Delta, Emirates and many international carriers, often sees the longest lines due to higher passenger volumes and additional international screening requirements. Terminal 5 (JetBlue) and Terminal 8 (American Airlines) have also reported heavier delays.

Some checkpoints have operated with reduced lanes, leading to sudden surges when passenger waves hit. Reddit users and X posts from recent days described scenarios where lines moved smoothly one hour only to back up dramatically the next.

Airlines have encouraged passengers to check flight status and consider alternative transportation options where possible. Several carriers have adjusted policies to allow more flexible rebooking amid the uncertainty.

The shutdown’s impact extends beyond security. Some travelers reported longer check-in lines and baggage processing delays as airline staff manage overflow from security backups.

TSA has not released official nationwide figures for March 24, but the agency’s MyTSA app may provide limited traveler-reported data. Independent trackers pulling from airport feeds show fluctuating estimates, with some terminals listing waits as low as 10 minutes during overnight lulls and climbing above 30 minutes by mid-morning.

For those flying today, practical tips include:

– Enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if eligible for faster processing.
– Pack liquids and electronics in easily accessible bags to speed screening.
– Monitor airline apps for gate information and any delays.
– Use the AirTrain or public transit to reach the airport and avoid roadway congestion.
– Check terminal-specific social media or third-party apps for crowd updates.

The situation remains fluid. Port Authority officials have not provided a timeline for when official wait time displays will resume.

JFK continues to operate normally for takeoffs and landings, with air traffic control unaffected by the TSA staffing issues. However, missed connections and stress from long security lines have disrupted travel plans for many.

The funding impasse in Washington has drawn criticism from both travelers and aviation industry groups, who warn that prolonged uncertainty could harm the U.S. travel economy during a busy spring season.

As evening approaches on March 24, passenger volumes typically ease, potentially shortening lines after the 7 p.m. rush. Overnight and early morning flights may see lighter security traffic, though unpredictability persists.

Travelers are advised to stay flexible and maintain communication with airlines. Updates will likely continue via the JFK Airport website, X account (@JFKairport) and individual carrier notifications.

For now, the message from New York’s premier international gateway is consistent: Plan ahead, build in extra time and prepare for longer-than-usual TSA waits at John F. Kennedy International Airport today and in the coming days until the federal funding situation is resolved.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have never met in a World Cup match during their two-decade rivalry. With the 2026 tournament just months away, the bracket has aligned perfectly for what could be their final showdown — and analysts now put the odds of an Argentina-Portugal quarterfinal at roughly 65 percent if both stars deliver as expected.

The expanded 48-team World Cup draw, completed in December 2025, placed defending champion Argentina in Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Portugal landed in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and a playoff winner. Both teams enter as overwhelming favorites to top their groups, setting up a high-probability path through the knockout stages.

Under the new format, the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers advance to a 32-team knockout round. If Argentina and Portugal win their groups — a scenario bookmakers give better than 80 percent probability for each side individually — they would meet in the quarterfinals on July 11 at Arrowhead Stadium, provided they navigate the round of 32 and round of 16.

Projection models from sites like Opta and betting markets currently estimate the combined likelihood of that exact quarterfinal matchup at around 60-70 percent, with many settling near 65 percent when factoring in group dominance and early knockout form. Earlier clashes remain possible but less likely: a round-of-16 meeting if one team finishes second (around 20-25 percent) or a remote round-of-32 scenario if both drop to third.

Ronaldo, turning 41 in February 2026, has made clear this will be his last World Cup. The Portuguese captain continues to score prolifically for Al-Nassr and recently posted recovery updates after a minor hamstring issue. Coach Roberto Martinez has expressed full confidence in Ronaldo’s fitness for June.

Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament, has been more reserved but strong signals point to his participation. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has already designated Kansas City as Argentina’s base camp, with group-stage matches scheduled at Arrowhead and AT&T Stadium. Inter Miami and Argentina coaching staff have indicated he plans to be there for what could be his farewell tour.

Argentina remains the tournament favorite according to most oddsmakers, buoyed by its 2022 triumph and deep squad. Portugal sits further back but possesses enough talent to reach the later stages even with managed minutes for its aging superstar.

The potential July 11 clash in Kansas City has already sent ticket demand soaring on resale platforms, with some listings for the projected quarterfinal jumping 300 percent since the draw. Global TV audiences for such a matchup could reach billions, adding one final unforgettable chapter to a rivalry that has produced countless classics at club level.

For Messi, a second World Cup title would solidify his legacy. For Ronaldo, the tournament represents perhaps his last realistic shot at the one major honor missing from his glittering career. They have combined for 48 World Cup appearances without ever sharing the pitch in the competition.

Analysts caution that football’s unpredictability remains. Upsets in the group stage or early knockouts could derail the dream scenario. Yet the bracket’s structure, combined with both teams’ quality, makes the quarterfinal meeting the most probable outcome of any Messi-Ronaldo World Cup encounter.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly highlighted the tournament’s potential for “dream matches,” and few would top this one. As friendlies continue in March and squads take shape, the soccer world is already counting down to what could be the ultimate last dance.

Whether it ends in a Messi masterclass, Ronaldo heroics or dramatic extra time, a 65 percent chance feels tantalizingly close to destiny for two players who have defined an era.