Pre-Market Report – Thursday 2 April: US markets rise | Caution ahead of POTUS

The S&P 500 advanced 0.72% and closed at 6,575.32, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.16% and settled at 21,840.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 224.23 points, or 0.48%, to end at 46,565.74. President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social Wednesday morning that Iran’s president has asked the U. S. for a ceasefire. However, the U. S. will consider the offer when the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear,” Trump added, writing that “until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!”This comes after the president told reporters at the White House late Tuesday that he expects the U. S. military forces will leave Iran in “two or three weeks.”Oil prices eased following that comment. West Texas Intermediate futures settled down 1.24% to close at $100.12 per barrel and Brent crude futures lost 2.7% to settle at $101.16 a barrel. SPI up 19 - Gold higher - POTUS Speech at Noon.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.