Stock Futures Dip and Volatility Expectations Spike as US–Iran Tensions Buffet Markets

Trader Gregory Rowe (L) and specialist Michael Pistillo work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Dec. 5, 2019. Richard Drew/AP Photo

U.S. stock index futures fell from their record highs on Jan. 6 as growing tensions between the United States and Iran sparked a pivot to safer assets, with safe-haven gold hitting six-year highs.

After ending 2019 on a strong note, Wall Street’s main indexes have dipped after the killing of a top Iranian general by the United States last week raised the threat of a new Middle East flare-up.