Stock futures are on the rise this morning as investors brace for significant economic updates and key earnings reports from Apple and Amazon. After a volatile week driven by central bank decisions and ongoing global trade tensions, futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 are both climbing, signaling optimism in the market.

Much of this momentum is being fueled by robust earnings from major tech companies. Microsoft and Meta Platforms impressed investors with strong results and ambitious spending plans for artificial intelligence, sending their shares notably higher in after-hours trading. The positive performance of these tech giants is helping to support broader market sentiment, with hopes that similar strong results from Apple and Amazon could extend the summer rally.

In the background, the Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates unchanged, offering investors reassurance while leaving the door open for future policy moves. The dollar retreated from its recent highs as traders digested mixed signals from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, while Treasury yields moved higher after a significant drop during the previous session.

Trade news continues to influence global markets, albeit with less intensity than earlier in the year. President Trump recently announced a US-South Korea agreement introducing new tariffs and investments, as well as fresh tariffs on Indian exports. However, these moves generated only a muted response from investors, highlighting a growing fatigue with ongoing trade skirmishes and their fading impact on equity markets.

As copper prices stabilize after recent volatility and the Bank of Japan holds its policy steady, global markets remain focused on upcoming US inflation data and tech earnings. Investors will be watching closely to see if strong tech sector results can help sustain the rally amid persistent trade uncertainties and shifting central bank policies.