#USChinaTradeTalks

Markets Lift on U.S.-China Trade Talks, But Eyes Remain on Powell

Markets are showing signs of optimism as news of upcoming U.S.-China trade talks boosts investor sentiment. S&P futures rose 0.6% in premarket trading Wednesday, rebounding slightly after the index dropped 0.8% the previous day, bringing its year-to-date decline to 4.7%.

The U.S. government announced that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will travel to Switzerland this Thursday to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for high-level economic discussions scheduled from May 9 to 12.

The move signals a potential thaw in economic tensions, especially amid ongoing 100%+ reciprocal tariffs. Asian markets responded positively to the news, anticipating progress in resolving the trade standoff between the world’s two largest economies.

Still, investors are primarily focused on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whose upcoming remarks could provide key signals on interest rates, inflation outlook, and monetary policy direction.

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