LIVE MARKETS-Wall Street indexes rise early as investors watch Middle East developments

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WALL STREET INDEXES RISE EARLY AS INVESTORS WATCH MIDDLE EAST DEVELOPMENTS

All three of the major U.S. stock indexes are higher in early trading on Monday as investors weigh the likelihood of an end to the Middle East war as oil prices ease.

The United States and Iran are weighing the framework of a plan to end their five‑week-old conflict, even as Tehran pushed back against pressure to swiftly reopen the Strait of Hormuz on the eve of a new ultimatum set by President Donald Trump.

Financials .SPSY are leading gains among the S&P 500's .SPX 11 major sectors, while energy .SPNY is slipping along with oil prices.

Investors also assessed Friday's data that showed U.S. job growth rebounded more than expected in March, supporting the view the Federal Reserve could keep rates on hold. The stock market was closed on Friday.

They look forward to inflation readings this week given the recent spike in oil prices.

Here is the early snapshot:

(Caroline Valetkevitch)

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