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U.S. stock index futures were little changed early Thursday, as investors remained focused on talks over a trade deal between the world’s two largest economies.
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Around 6 a.m. ET, Dow futures indicated the average would open up less than 5 points. Futures on the S&P and Nasdaq also were also nearly flat.
Market focus is largely attuned to global trade developments, as negotiations between the U.S. and China continue in Washington.
Trade officials are attempting to strike an agreement over the core issues so President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping can hold a ceremony to sign a comprehensive deal. Trump is due to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He at the White House on Thursday.
The U.S. and China have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of one another’s goods over the past year, battering financial markets and souring business and consumer sentiment.
Market participants are likely to closely monitor a flurry of speeches from policymakers at the U.S. central bank on Thursday. New York Fed President John Williams, Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker, and Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester are all set to comment on the U.S. economy at separate events.
On the data front, the latest weekly jobless claims figures will be published at around 8:30 a.m. ET.
In corporate news, Constellation Brands, RPM International, and Simply Good Foods are all set to report their latest quarterly figures before the opening bell.
Shares of Tesla were tanking in the premarket after the automaker reported first-quarter shipments that missed analysts’ expectations.