US equity futures are slightly higher. Asian markets finished mostly lower and European markets opened lower. The market focus remained on corporate earnings and trade policy. GOOGL’s results supported AI-driven optimism, while TSLA’s weaker outlook weighed on sentiment. Reports suggested the US and EU are close to finalizing a trade deal involving new tariffs. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Bessent’s upcoming meeting with China’s Vice Premier has drawn attention. Sentiment was also shaped by mixed US economic data, with better-than-expected jobless claims but weaker new home sales and ongoing inflation pressure tied to tariffs. Other notable event today: Trump is scheduled to visit the Fed headquarters at 4pm Eastern.

Companies Mentioned: Samsung Electronics, OpenAI, Perplexity AI, Alphabet, Paramount Global, Southwest Airlines, Boeing