US pre-open: Futures point to mixed open following attack on Iraqi airbase

US futures had stocks opening somewhat mixed on Wednesday as news broke that Iran had fired rockets at an Iraqi airbase hosting American troops.

As of 1230 GMT, Dow futures were down 0.08%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures were ahead 0.17% and 0.16%, respectively.

The Dow closed 119.70 points lower on Tuesday as investors continued to monitor headlines surrounding tensions in the Middle East.

Sentiment took a blow late on Tuesday after reports that the Al-Assad airbase in Western Iraq had been struck with multiple projectiles.

The Pentagon later confirmed the report, stating: "Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil."

President Donald Trump tweeted: "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq."

"Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning."

After no casualties or damage to oil infrastructure was reported, sentiment was lifted ahead of the bell.

Oanda's Craig Erlam said: "It's been a strange start to trading on Wednesday, with the Iranian retaliation against US bases in Iraq not triggering any significant flight to safety.

"For now, investors are hanging on in there. Stock markets in Europe are a little lower and US futures are currently flat which suggests no one is panicking just yet. Trump may change that if he seizes the opportunity to take a hard-line approach against Iran and dramatically escalate the conflict."

On the data front, ADP employment numbers will be released at 1415 GMT, while consumer credit figures will follow at 2000 GMT.

In corporate news, Boeing shares were down 2% ahead of the bell after a 737 airliner burst into flames shortly after takeoff, killing all 176 people on board.

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Constellation Brands and Lennar will all post earnings on Wednesday.