Dow Jones Futures Edge Higher as AI Stocks Extend Rally

U.S. stock futures moved slightly higher late Thursday as investors continued to rotate into artificial intelligence-related shares, even as mixed corporate earnings and oil market volatility kept traders cautious.

Dow Jones futures climbed 0.3%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures also posted modest gains ahead of Friday’s trading session. Crude oil prices rebounded toward $98 per barrel after sliding sharply earlier in the week.

The broader market staged a turnaround Thursday after oil prices dropped back below the $100 mark. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a fresh record high, signaling continued investor confidence despite pressure on several major companies.

Shares of Nvidia slipped 1.8% even after the chip giant delivered stronger-than-expected earnings and guidance. Analysts noted that the stock has historically struggled to sustain post-earnings rallies despite strong fundamentals.

Retail giant Walmart also weighed on sentiment after issuing a weaker outlook, sending shares sharply lower.

Still, enthusiasm surrounding AI infrastructure and data-center growth remained strong. Several technology and industrial companies tied to the AI boom flashed new buying signals, including Amazon, Corning, GE Vernova, Credo Technology, and IREN.

Among the strongest movers, GE Vernova rose nearly 2% after rebounding from key technical support levels. The company also announced a deal to acquire robotics firm Robotech Automation to strengthen its automation and AI capabilities.

Amazon gained 1.3% as shares broke above a short-term downtrend, while Credo Technology surged 5.7%, extending a three-day rally fueled by growing demand for AI data-center networking products.

IREN jumped more than 10% as investors continued to pour into companies connected to high-performance computing and AI infrastructure. The firm, originally known for bitcoin mining, has increasingly positioned itself as a data-center operator supporting AI workloads.

Meanwhile, market optimism was also supported by easing energy concerns. U.S. crude oil prices fell nearly 2% Thursday to settle near $96.35 per barrel after briefly topping $102 earlier in the week. Traders reacted to growing expectations that U.S. President Donald Trump could secure a potential agreement with Iran that may help stabilize global oil supply.

The 10-year Treasury yield ended slightly higher at 4.58% but retreated from session highs as investors reassessed inflation and interest rate expectations.

Analysts say the resilience of AI-related stocks suggests investors remain focused on long-term technology growth despite short-term market volatility. Many traders are now watching whether the current rebound can evolve into a broader market breakout in the coming weeks.