US equity-index futures edged higher in early trading on September 20, 2026, with S&P 500 futures advancing 0.2%. This follows a slight gain for the underlying gauge on Friday. The dollar showed little change against the yen and yuan, with potential for amplified moves due to thin liquidity as Japan observed a holiday. Investors are keenly watching the upcoming US-China talks, preceding a leaders' summit scheduled for later in the week.
The discussions between the US and China are a key focus for market participants. China's Vice Premier He Lifeng met with US Treasury Scott Bessent in New York on September 20, indicating diplomatic efforts are underway. These talks are expected to set the tone for broader market sentiment, especially concerning trade relations between the two global economic powers.
This market movement comes after a turbulent week for global markets, which saw mixed performances. While Asian equities advanced and Wall Street finished mixed, European shares experienced declines. The S&P 500 closed Friday 0.17% higher at 7,650.50, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.39% to 26,522.55, but the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.18% to 51,682.64. The US 10-year Treasury yield also moved back towards 5%, a level that increases financing costs across the economy and can reduce the relative attractiveness of equities.
