Wall Street Wavers as U.S.-China Tariff Talks Send Mixed Signals

Wall Street took muted action at Friday's open in spite of hints of potential tariff relief, as competing narratives in Washington and Beijing warned investors. China has quietly dropped some U.S.-made semiconductors from its 125% retaliatory tariffs, while officials disavowed the continuation of trade talks with the U.S., denying President Trump's reports of ongoing talks.

 

Key details:

 

S&P 500 futures hinted at a 0.5% rise pre-market, but gains were tempered by Trump’s unpredictable rhetoric.

 

Alphabet (Google) surged 4.7% premarket on strong AI-driven earnings, offsetting Intel’s slump.

 

Tariff uncertainty persists: China weighs exemptions for medical devices and ethane, but rejects formal talks.

 

Analysts warn of lingering volatility as markets balance relief over chip tariff exemptions against fears of escalating trade rhetoric.

 

 Sources: Reuters, Washington Post, NY Times