Sentiment weakened ahead of Intel earnings as rising energy prices and concerns about costly AI investment added to worries over corporate profit margins.
US equity futures fell as investor sentiment was hit by concerns that heavy AI spending could pressure returns, while oil prices moved toward $100 a barrel and added to worries about higher input costs. The move came ahead of Intel earnings, with the combination of expensive AI infrastructure, rising energy prices and tighter margins weighing on expectations for corporate profitability.