US futures are flat as AI-related stocks hit by heavy selling, oil prices rise - couriernews.com

US index futures pointed to a flat open, suggesting a cautious start even as technology shares—particularly those tied to artificial intelligence—faced heavy selling pressure. This divergence is notable: while AI-related equities have driven much of the market’s recent momentum, a sharp pullback in that pocket indicates investors may be reassessing lofty valuations or repositioning after a rapid run-up. That profit-taking has not, however, spread into the broader indices.

At the same time, oil prices are climbing, adding a separate layer of complexity. Rising crude costs can feed into inflation expectations and weigh on consumer spending, factors that central banks track closely when setting policy. For markets, that introduces a potential tension: if energy gains persist, they could complicate the outlook for interest rates.

Given these crosscurrents, the key question is how these two forces interact. If AI-related selling remains contained, the broader market may absorb it. But if oil’s advance accelerates and sustains, it could shift the macro narrative toward inflation risk, prompting a reassessment across asset classes.