FX.co ★ US Futures Slightly Higher

US stock futures edged slightly upward on Friday, building on the momentum of record-high closes for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq from the previous day. The three major stock indices are poised to end the week with gains exceeding 1%. Investor sentiment remained cautiously optimistic, buoyed by the prospect of new trade agreements—especially with the European Union—being finalized before the August 1st deadline, which could lead to reduced tariff rates. Further contributing to this optimism, President Trump appeared to soften his stance regarding Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, alleviating concerns about the Fed's independence. Concurrently, the earnings season continued, with Intel shares dropping more than 7% in premarket trading after the company reported earnings that fell short of expectations, even though it surpassed revenue forecasts and provided an encouraging outlook. Market participants now turn their attention to the upcoming peak of the earnings season and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision expected next week.