Wall Street Rallies on U.S.-UK Trade Prospects and Semiconductor Gains

U.S. stock indexes were poised to open stronger on Thursday, fueled by optimism surrounding a trade agreement between the United States and Britain, and a potential easing of export restrictions on AI semiconductors. This development followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement about an impending trade deal at 10 a.m. ET aimed at reducing tariffs on certain goods.

Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth, emphasized the agreement's significance as a potential blueprint for future trade deals, as markets await final confirmation. In parallel, news emerged of upcoming trade talks between America and China in Switzerland, after a prolonged period of tariff exchanges that have dampened economic confidence worldwide.

Traders were also monitoring corporate earnings as the season comes to a close, with Krispy Kreme's stock plummeting 30% in premarket trade after the company retracted its full-year forecast. On a brighter note, the number of unemployment filings in the U.S. fell to 228,000, providing a positive signal amid broader economic uncertainties such as interest rates and inflation.

(With inputs from agencies.)