(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 16 giu - US futures were higher as investors absorbed the early shockwave of the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran and awaited the G7 meeting in Canada that is expected to include discussions on trade.

Wall Street ended sharply lower on Friday as escalating tension in the Middle East undermined sentiment. The Dow closed down 1.8%, the S&P 500 fell 1.1% while the Nasdaq shed 1.3%.

As fighting between Israel and Iran entered its fourth day, investors bet on a rebound for stock markets despite concerns geopolitical tensions could escalate.

Oil prices were lower but off early lows.

President Donald Trump is expected in Canada today for a meeting with G7 leaders, and others, which besides the conflict in the Middle East will touch on trade policy.

The barrage of tariffs rolled out by the Trump administration has left investors increasingly concerned about a possible resurge in inflation and slower economic growth.

The Federal Reserve is due to make a decision on interest rates on Wednesday but is widely expected to keep rates unchanged.

The New York Empire State Manufacturing Survey later today is expected to shed some light on the state of health of the economy.

Futures on the Dow Jones were up 209.00 points, or 0.50%, higher. S&P 500 futures were up 34.75 points, or 0.58%, while.

futures on the Nasdaq were up 145.75 points, or 0.67%.

(RADIOCOR) 16-06-25 14:01:45 (0372) 5 NNNN