08:25 AM EDT, 03/16/2026 (MT Newswires) -- US equity futures were higher pre-bell Monday as traders tracked geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and movements in oil prices.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were 0.6% higher, S&P 500 futures were up 0.8%, and Nasdaq futures were 1% higher.

President Donald Trump said in an interview with NBC News over the weekend that Iran is signaling a willingness to discuss a ceasefire, though a senior Iranian official has reportedly said Tehran has not requested talks.

Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 0.4% at $102.76 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 1.4% lower at $95.47 per barrel.

The March Empire State manufacturing index, scheduled for release at 8:30 am ET, is seen coming in at 3.9 versus 7.1 previously, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

The February industrial production report, due at 9:15 am ET, is forecast to show a 0.1% increase following a 0.7% gain in the prior month.

The March US housing market index, slated for 10 am ET, is seen coming in at 37 versus 36 previously.