HG MARKETS: 

U.S. stock index futures moved higher on Sunday evening as markets reacted positively to expectations of progress in upcoming U.S.-China trade discussions and signs of possible diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran. S&P 500 futures rose 0.35% to 7,739.50, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.54% to 30,079.50 and Dow Jones futures advanced 0.27% to 52,220.0.

Investor sentiment improved amid expectations of the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington this week. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also set to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, raising hopes for constructive discussions on trade and economic relations.

Trade tariffs are expected to remain a key focus of the Trump-Xi meeting, as the existing U.S.-China trade truce is set to expire in early November. Both sides are also expected to discuss artificial intelligence developments and regulation, adding another important area to broader economic relations.

Markets also received some support from Trump’s comments that he was open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly this week. However, geopolitical tensions remain elevated as the Iran-backed Houthis continued attacks against Saudi Arabia and shipping routes near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The ongoing Middle East tensions kept oil prices volatile, with investors closely monitoring developments involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and regional shipping routes. While potential U.S.-Iran dialogue could ease some geopolitical concerns, continued hostilities could keep energy markets under pressure and contribute to broader market volatility.

Meanwhile, technology stocks remained in focus after chipmakers recovered some losses during Friday’s session. Investor attention also turned to artificial intelligence company Anthropic, which reportedly delayed its planned initial public offering to November from October. The delay is expected to provide additional time to present third-quarter financial results, while competition within the AI sector remains a key theme for technology markets.