LIVE MARKETS-US stock index futures down early as Middle East war intensifies

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US STOCK INDEX FUTURES DOWN EARLY AS MIDDLE EAST WAR INTENSIFIES

U.S. stock index futures are down lower early on Thursday as bombing of Tehran intensified in the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran.

That is keeping worries about the war's impact on oil prices, shipping and inflation at the top of investors' minds. Oil prices are sharply higher, extending recent gains. The war is now in its sixth day.

A positive for the market, however, is Broadcom AVGO.O, whose shares are sharply higher in premarket trading after the company forecast its artificial intelligence chip revenue would exceed $100 billion next year.

Investors have been worried about hype over the AI trade and lofty stock valuations in technology.

A prolonged war in the Middle East is likely to complicate the outlook for many sectors including technology and also for the chance for any interest rates cuts from the Federal Reserve this year.

Here is the early market snapshot:

(Caroline Valetkevitch)

EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:

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