US equity index futures posted moderate gains at the open on Monday, marking a positive start to the trading week.

The advance was driven by renewed optimism regarding a potential de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which has bolstered investor sentiment after weeks of geopolitical uncertainty.

This risk-on mood follows a session on Tuesday where US markets posted gains, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average leading the charge as traders digested signs of easing conflict.

The repricing reflects a broader global rebound in equities as markets respond to the temporary cooling of geopolitical risks.

The de-escalation narrative has provided a crucial lift to risk appetite, which had been weighed down by fears of supply chain disruptions and energy market volatility.

Global equity markets are staging a recovery as investors digest the improved outlook, shifting focus away from safe-haven assets and back into growth-oriented sectors.

This development continues the arc of market sensitivity to Middle East stability.

Earlier in the year, ceasefire hopes had triggered a sharp risk-on rally, leading to sell-offs in oil, gold, and Bitcoin as investors unwound hedges. The current move suggests that while geopolitical risks remain a primary driver of market volatility, any signal of diplomatic progress is quickly rewarded by equity buyers.