Stocks Fall as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation Fears, Rate Hike Expectations

U.S. stock futures fall as Middle East conflict pushes up oil prices and boosts safe havens like Treasuries, gold, yen.

Israel retaliates against Hamas attack, risking disruption to oil supplies and further inflation.

Strong U.S. jobs report raises expectations for more Fed rate hikes to combat inflation.

Markets price in Fed rate cuts in 2024 as Middle East tensions seen hurting growth.

Earnings season kicks off with banks; analysts see modest sales growth and flat profits for S&P 500.