US stock futures remained steady after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed higher, supported by strong earnings from major banks and expectations of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve (Fed) later this month.
Major banks posted better-than-expected profits, driven by strong performance in investment and commercial banking segments.
Positive results from Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs also boosted market sentiment.
The market rise was also driven by expectations of Fed monetary policy easing after Fed Governor Stephen Miran called for an immediate interest rate cut in the wake of escalating US-China trade tensions.
The statement came a day after dovish comments from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, which reinforced expectations that the central bank will start cutting interest rates at its last two meetings in 2025.
However, renewed trade tariff tensions between Washington and Beijing have limited gains on Wall Street.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stressed that President Donald Trump's administration remains firmly committed to negotiations.
Trump has also previously suggested the possibility of severing trade ties with China in the cooking oil sector, accusing Beijing of "intentionally not buying" US soybeans.
The renewed tensions come as the US government shutdown drags on for a third week, delaying key economic data releases and increasing market uncertainty.
The S&P 500 index rose 0.40% to 26.75 points, the tech-focused Nasdaq rose 0.66% to 148.38 points, while the Dow Jones fell 0.04% to 17.15 points.
Meanwhile, United Airlines shares fell 3% despite posting third-quarter earnings that beat Wall Street expectations, with the company forecasting strong results for the current quarter.
Salesforce Inc shares jumped nearly 4% after the public software company raised its long-term revenue target to more than $60 billion by 2030 and announced a $7 billion share buyback program.
