Trump says Iran talks making progress; U.S. stock index futures rise as market awaits jobs data

Odaily Odaily News: On Friday before the U.S. market open, U.S. stock index futures rose, after U.S. President Trump said that negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue are "making progress," while the market continues to focus on the upcoming employment data.

Mark Malek, Chief Investment Officer at Siebert Financial, said: "The market has recently been influenced by Iran-related news and statements from the government." He added that Trump's remarks "have undoubtedly contributed to the positive momentum in early trading today." Later in the day, investors will see economic data such as U.S. non-farm payrolls and the unemployment rate. Malek said: "Regardless of the level of inflation, unemployed people do not have the ability to consume. While I understand the urgency the Federal Reserve places on inflation, I suspect the labor market may not be as healthy as the surface data suggests. This could spell trouble for economic growth."