US futures rise on ASML AI optimism as investors weigh inflation data and geopolitical risk
Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures posted gains on 15 July 2026 ahead of key producer price index release and major corporate reports.
US stock futures edged higher on 15 July 2026, driven by optimism surrounding ASML’s outlook for artificial intelligence demand and its plan to expand chipmaking equipment production by 30%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq-100 futures all posted gains, with the Nasdaq-100 rising 0.5% and the S&P 500 gaining 0.2%. The move followed a soft Consumer Price Index report that showed the largest single-month decline in inflation since April 2020.
ASML lifted its annual sales forecast above Wall Street expectations, citing robust demand for AI-related technology. The company also announced it would increase production capacity for chipmaking equipment by 30%, a move that helped alleviate concerns about bottlenecks in the global chip supply chain. This positive sentiment from the semiconductor sector helped offset pressure from rising oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions.
Geopolitical risks remained a focal point as President Trump vowed to intensify attacks on Iran until negotiations occur. Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, as reported by Bloomberg, Trump stated, "We're going to knock out all of their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate." The comments came amid a broader context of diplomatic engagement, including a recent summit in Beijing between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which addressed trade, AI, and Iran tensions.
Investors are now turning their attention to key economic data releases, including the Producer Price Index and the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book. Additionally, Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh is scheduled to testify before the Senate Banking Committee on Wednesday, providing further signals on monetary policy direction. The latest CPI data had already indicated a significant cooling in inflation, setting the stage for this week’s economic calendar.
Earnings season continues to gain momentum, with major financial firms and corporations set to report results. Morgan Stanley and BlackRock are scheduled to release their earnings, following comments from JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who described current banking conditions as "getting close to as good as it gets." Johnson & Johnson and United Airlines Holdings are also among the major companies reporting, as investors assess corporate resilience amid the evolving economic landscape.
