US Stock Futures Mixed Ahead Fed Rate Decision, EU Trade Deal

U.S. stock futures showed little change ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting, with investors focusing on whether the Fed will signal a readiness to cut interest rates in September, despite an expected hold this week. The Fed is anticipated to keep rates steady, though the decision may not be unanimous, while Chair Jerome Powell's press conference is expected to provide critical guidance on future monetary policy. Market participants also monitored ongoing U.S.-China trade talks and tariff discussions with South Korea, alongside earnings reports from major companies such as Starbucks and Visa, which influenced market sentiment. The S&P 500 recently reached new record highs, with tech stocks generally performing well, despite some mixed results in other sectors and a broadly cautious market atmosphere. Investors are preparing for a busy week of economic data releases and corporate earnings, including reports from Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple, which are expected to provide insights into AI investment trends and broader economic health. President Donald Trump remains involved in trade negotiations, with any tariff agreements requiring his approval.