Markets Rise Amid Cautious Optimism on U.S.-China Talks

Global equities, especially in Asia and the U.S., rose as U.S.-China trade talks commenced in London, with both sides expressing optimism but no major breakthroughs on the first day. The S&P 500 gained 0.3% and traded near its record high, fueled by hopes for future tariff relief and improved trade flows. Tech stocks were mixed, with Apple dropping over 1% after a lackluster developer conference on AI, while Nvidia, Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet advanced. The Philadelphia SOX index climbed 2% amid expectations that China's AI investments and potential easing of export restrictions could benefit semiconductors. Chinese EV makers and U.S.-listed Chinese stocks also gained, despite persistent concerns over weak Chinese export and inflation data. Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, though volatility is expected as trade negotiations proceed.