U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Plunging Oil Prices Ease Inflation Fears

U.S. stocks were poised to extend gains on May 29, 2026, as crude oil prices slumped to their lowest level in three weeks, alleviating cost pressures on businesses and consumers. S&P 500 futures advanced 0.7%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures added 0.5% and Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.9% ahead of the opening bell. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 3.2% to $67.40 a barrel, extending its weekly decline to 6%, after reports that OPEC+ members were considering a faster-than-expected relaxation of production cuts. The drop in energy costs diminishes input expenses for manufacturers and freight companies, while bolstering consumer discretionary income. Market analysts said the oil slide offset lingering uncertainty over trade policy, shifting the focus to potential margin expansion in the second half of the year. Low-energy prices historically correlate with improved corporate earnings and tamed inflation readings, supporting the case for a Federal Reserve rate cut later this year.