U.S. Stock Futures Rise on Support from Trade Talks with Japan:
U.S. stock futures rose on signs of progress in trade talks between Washington and Tokyo.
This renewed Wall Street’s optimism and revived hopes of reaching agreements to avoid higher tariffs on America’s trade partners.

According to Bloomberg, the S&P 500 futures climbed 0.9%,
partially recovering from Wednesday’s 2.2% losses.

In contrast, during a day packed with major corporate earnings announcements,
The European Stoxx 600 index declined ahead of the European Central Bank’s decision on interest rates.

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Trade negotiations with Japan

Investor Focus

Trump: “Major Progress” with Japan

U.S. President Donald Trump said “major progress” has been made in trade negotiations with Japan.
The yen weakened after Japan’s top trade negotiator stated that currency issues were not on the table,
easing concerns over potential U.S. pressure to push up the yen’s value.

Treasury yields also rose after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated his commitment to fighting inflation,
while a key index tracking the dollar moved higher.

Investor Focus Shifts to Bilateral Negotiations

Following the market turmoil sparked by Washington’s recent announcement of broad-based tariffs earlier this month,
Investor attention has increasingly turned to bilateral trade talks between the U.S. and specific countries.

China, in particular, remains a focal point, especially after Beijing signaled on Wednesday
that several conditions must be met before it agrees to enter negotiations with the Trump administration.

Commenting on the developments, Matthew Richter, Head of Equity Strategy at Julius Baer, told Bloomberg:
“Hopes for progress in trade talks between the U.S. and other countries
Following the initial breakthrough with Japan, they are among the key drivers behind the uptick in U.S. stock futures.”

However, he cautioned: “Still, this comes after a sharp decline in U.S. equities yesterday,
so daily price moves shouldn’t be overinterpreted.
The broader outlook remains tilted toward the downside.”

U.S. Stock Futures Rise on Support from Trade Talks with Japan

U.S. Stock Futures Rise on Support from Trade Talks with Japan

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