U.S. stock futures held steady Thursday evening after Wall Street rallied on optimism from a newly signed U.S.-UK trade deal framework. As of 20:12 ET (00:12 GMT), S&P 500 futures dipped 0.1% to 5,677.0, Nasdaq 100 futures were flat at 20,135.75, and Dow Jones futures slipped 0.2% to 41,397.0.
The gains followed a positive Thursday session where the Dow Jones and S&P 500 rose 0.6%, and the Nasdaq advanced 1.1%. Market sentiment improved after President Donald Trump signed a trade agreement framework with the United Kingdom. Under the deal, the U.S. will maintain its 10% tariff on UK imports, while the UK agreed to reduce its own tariffs to 1.8% from 5.1% and provide greater access to American goods. Notably, UK steel and aluminum exports will be exempt from the U.S. 25% import tax.
According to ING analysts, the deal gave markets a much-needed sense of stability, lifting equities, strengthening the dollar, and pushing Treasury yields higher. However, analysts warned that broader global trade tensions, especially with China, remain unresolved. U.S. and Chinese officials are set to meet over the weekend for continued trade negotiations, which investors hope could result in tariff relief and a more stable outlook.
In corporate news, Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE) surged 4% after beating Q1 expectations. Tapestry (NYSE:TPR), parent company of Coach and Kate Spade, rose nearly 4% after boosting its annual forecast. On the downside, Restaurant Brands (NYSE:QSR) slipped slightly following underwhelming earnings, while Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:ARM) tumbled 6% after offering weak forward guidance.
Investors remain cautious yet hopeful, with any sign of progress in U.S.-China trade relations expected to drive markets in the coming days.
