Strong earnings from major tech companies have helped lift cryptocurrencies, while the relative calm in US-Iran relations has temporarily eased market pressures. With President Trump giving Iran more time and refraining from escalating threats, the short-term risk environment has softened. So, what is the latest outlook for US markets and cryptocurrencies?
Current status of US markets
Positive earnings reports from tech giants like Intel and SAP have propelled technology stocks, pushing the Nasdaq 100 closer to marking its fourth straight week of gains. Although the US-Iran standoff shows no sign of de-escalation, oil prices remain elevated, though their rise is restrained by the lack of significant military escalation on the ground.
Intel surged 29% in pre-market trading after issuing robust sales forecasts. In Taipei, TSMC shares climbed 5% following the relaxation of restrictions on single-stock fund ownership. Meanwhile, Nasdaq 100 futures were up nearly 1%. S&P 500 futures remained volatile, raising concerns of a potential first weekly decline since March if conditions do not improve.
SAP’s strong earnings helped ease concerns that artificial intelligence could disrupt the software industry, reversing previous negative sentiment and supporting a turnaround in the sector’s market performance.
Iran and cryptocurrencies
Efforts by Washington and Tehran to agree on a negotiation framework have so far proven unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the Iranian Foreign Minister is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday night, fueling speculation that a much-rumored Sunday meeting could actually take place.
After convincingly closing above $75,727, BTC has broken free from its parallel trading channel and is now eyeing its previous range high of $80,285 as the next target. If talks proceed on Sunday, this rally could accelerate. The $77,500 mark stands out as a critical threshold for sustaining the upward momentum.
During the preparation of this report, US Secretary of Defense Hegseth issued the following statement:
“Iran has a genuine opportunity to reach a good deal. So far, 34 ships have been turned back from the Strait of Hormuz. Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons. The United States has established an unyielding blockade.
A second US aircraft carrier will soon join the blockade. Our blockade is expanding and becoming global. Iran has a smart choice to make at the negotiating table. No matter how long it takes, the blockade will remain in force. Time is not on Iran’s side.”
