Financial news
Home
Knowledge Hub
US stock futures steady after Wall St jumps on UK trade deal optimism
2025-05-09 10:32:58

U.S. stock futures were largely unchanged Thursday evening following a Wall Street rally driven by a new trade deal framework with the UK, while investors looked ahead for further agreements, including one with China.


S&P 500 Futures inched 0.1% lower to 5,677.0 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures were largely muted at 20,135.75 points by 20:12 ET (00:12 GMT). Dow Jones Futures fell 0.2% to 41,397.0 points.


Wall St gains on US-UK trade deal framework; China agreement eyed

In the regular trading session on Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 0.6% higher, the S&P 500 index also climbed 0.6%, while the NASDAQ Composite jumped 1.1%


President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a framework for a trade deal with the United Kingdom, raising hopes that the Trump administration’s chaotic trade policies could soon be settling down.


Under the deal, the 10% tariff that was imposed on goods imported from the UK remains in place, while the UK agreed to lower its tariffs to 1.8% from 5.1% and provide further access to U.S. goods. 


Moreover, steel and aluminum imports to the U.S. would be exempt from Trump’s 25% levy.


“The deal enables the President to offer the sense of flexibility that financial markets are craving. The reaction – higher equity prices, a stronger dollar, higher Treasury yields – shows that it has had the desired effect,” ING analysts said in a note.


However, analysts were sceptical that the UK’s deal would herald a much broader easing in trade tensions.


U.S. officials were set to meet their Chinese counterparts over the weekend for trade talks. 

“A de-escalation with China is realistically the only thing that can meaningfully move the dial on the tariff hit,” ING analysts added.

Corporate earnings, including Kenvue, Tapestry in focus
Kenvue Inc (NYSE:KVUE) shares jumped 4% after the consumer health company beat first-quarter expectations, while Restaurant Brands (NYSE:QSR) stock ended slightly lower after it missed first-quarter revenue and profit estimates.

Tapestry Inc (NYSE:TPR) stock climbed nearly 4% after the owner of fashion brands like Coach and Kate Spade raised its annual outlook.

Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:ARM) dropped 6% after the semiconductor giant issued disappointing guidance.