(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 30 apr - US shares opened higher amid easing oil prices as investors digested a flurry of earnings and economic data.

Oil prices touched a four-year high in early trade after reports US president Donald Trump is considering new military options in Iran and envisaging an extensive naval blockade of the Gulf state. But they then eased back as Brent dipped more than 3% to settle around 114 dollars a barrel.

On the earnings front 'Magnificent Seven' members Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta Platforms and Amazon all posted bumper profits after close yesterday as AI boosted business.

But while shares in Google parent Alphabet rose 6.6% in early trade lifted by positive results in its cloud business, Meta shares slumped nearly 10% after committing greater spending on AI data centres this year. Investors are concerned excessive AI investments may undermine balance sheets.

Apple is due to report its latest earnings after market close today.

On the data front, first quarter GDP came in stronger than expected while the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, PCE price index, showed prices were rising as the war with Iran continues.

As widely expected, the Fed kept its interest rates on hold yesterday.

Just after the opening bell the Dow Jones was down 39.59 points, or 0.08%, at 48,822.22 points, the S&P 500 was up 31.97 points, or 0.45%, at 7,167.92, while the Nasdaq was up.

157.68 points, or 0.64%, at 24,830.92.

(RADIOCOR) 30-04-26 15:44:01 (0733) 5 NNNN