U.S. stock index futures edged lower Tuesday evening after a federal appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump’s tariffs could remain in effect, dampening optimism over a legal challenge to block the duties. The decision adds uncertainty to an already fragile market sentiment, with investors closely watching developments in U.S.-China trade relations.
Futures had briefly turned positive after U.S. and Chinese officials said they had reached a consensus on a trade framework following talks in London. However, the lack of concrete details on key issues like chip export restrictions and rare earth mineral trade kept markets cautious. The framework, tied to a May Geneva deal, now awaits approval from Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
By 20:52 ET (00:52 GMT), S&P 500 Futures fell 0.2% to 6,034.0, Nasdaq 100 Futures declined 0.2% to 21,918.0, and Dow Jones Futures dropped 0.2% to 42,838.0.
The appeals court decision upholding Trump’s "liberation day" tariffs reinforces one of his signature economic policies, despite growing concerns over their long-term economic impact. Recent data shows slowing growth, with both consumers and businesses wary of policy instability and trade tensions.
Meanwhile, Wall Street closed higher on Tuesday, lifted by optimism over improved U.S.-China ties. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% to 6,038.81, near record highs. The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.6% to 19,714.99, while the Dow Jones gained 0.3% to 42,866.87. Tech stocks, including Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), led gains on expectations that chip restrictions may ease.
All eyes now turn to Wednesday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) release, with forecasts suggesting a slight rise in inflation. Persistent inflation could pressure the Federal Reserve to maintain higher interest rates, influencing future market direction.


China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Middle East Tensions Offset Weaker US Dollar
Asian Stocks Slide as Chip Selloff Deepens Ahead of TSMC Earnings
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears
Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution
AI Chip Stocks Face Valuation Pressure as Investors Shift Toward Big Tech and Software
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 



