Oil Prices Soar as Middle East Tensions Escalate

US stock futures were mixed in early Tuesday trading as tensions escalated in the Middle East conflict.

The Houthi attacks on oil facilities and utilities in Saudi Arabia's southern region have pushed oil prices higher, with Brent crude reaching $98.48 a barrel and US crude surging to $93.79.

This surge has raised costs for consumers and businesses alike, making this week's inflation data from the government even more significant.

The Federal Reserve meets next week to decide whether to cut, raise or hold interest rates, a decision complicated by a strong job market and historically low employment rate.