(RTTNews) - Tepid futures and elevated oil prices amid worries over the Middle East situation signal a flat to slightly down opening for U.S. stocks on Monday.

Dow futures have dipped 0.17%, S&P futures are off by 0.07%, and Nasdaq futures show a marginal gain.

With key inflation figures from consumer prices due Tuesday, producer prices on Wednesday, and retail sales Friday, market sentiment is expected to stay guarded.

Tensions in the U.S.-Iran standoff persist due to stalled peace negotiations.

After U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Iran's recent offer to resolve the dispute, Iran vowed to employ both diplomatic channels and military measures as needed to safeguard its interests.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei accused the U.S. of repeatedly eroding trust in diplomatic engagements over the last two decades.

On Friday, major indexes finished in the green, though the Dow lagged with a slim 0.02% rise. The S&P 500 advanced 0.84%, and the Nasdaq surged 1.71%, buoyed by robust April non-farm payrolls.

Turning to economics, April existing home sales figures arrive at 10 AM ET.

Overnight in Asia, stocks closed mixed, with robust AI sector advances in Seoul countering fears of worsening U.S.-Iran friction and ongoing issues in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran turned down a U.S. invitation for fresh talks.

European benchmarks trade softly today, weighed by Middle East unrest after unsuccessful U.S.-Iran discussions.

Among commodities, West Texas Intermediate crude futures have risen $3.13, or 3.28%, to $98.55 per barrel. Gold futures slipped $53.30, or 1.1%, to $4,677.40 per ounce.

The perspectives shared here represent the author's own and may not align with those of Nasdaq, Inc.