US equity futures are firmer, with the S&P up around 1% in premarket trading. European equity markets are steady in holiday-thinned trade, with only the UK FTSE open. Asian markets ended higher. US after-hours earnings dominated the session with Microsoft and Meta posting better-than-expected results, while Qualcomm sold off following its update. The White House trade representative confirmed the administration is nearing an announcement on the first tranche of trade deals. Separately, the US and Ukraine signed an economic partnership agreement on critical minerals and natural resources. Markets also reacted to soft Q1 US GDP data, which increased recession concerns and pushed rate cut pricing to ~100 bps by year-end.

Companies mentioned: Apple, Tesla, Olo, Oracle, Toast