IXIC: Nasdaq Composite Ekes Out Tiny 0.3% Gain as Traders Await US-China Trade Scoops

Not much leaked out Monday when a US squad of negotiators marched into London to meet with their Chinese counterparts. Here’s what may happen next.

🍀 Nasdaq Squeezes Out a Gain

• The Nasdaq Composite IXIC eked out a 0.3% rise on Monday to close at 19,591.24, while the S&P 500 inched up 0.1% and the Dow slipped a single point, as Wall Street held its breath for updates from across the Atlantic.
• A high-stakes meeting between US and Chinese officials in London drew global attention, but little concrete news emerged from the session, keeping markets in limbo.
• Investors are betting that the mere act of showing up at the negotiating table — with handshakes and kind gestures — might be enough to unlock export controls and move rare earths, even if broader deals take longer.

😎 Trade Team America: London Edition

• The US delegation — led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Rep Jamieson Greer — met their Chinese counterparts to resume formal trade discussions after weeks of rhetoric.
• According to White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, the hope is that a symbolic agreement — even just handshakes — could ease current tensions and signal progress.
• Day 1 talks reportedly included discussions around export controls, rare earth materials, and the potential for phased easing of tariffs, though nothing definitive has been shared publicly. Day 2 is happening today and markets are yet to hear anything from officials.

🌱 Markets Waiting for a Signal

• US stock futures were higher early Tuesday, with Nasdaq contracts leading the way, up a modest 0.1%, as tech investors held their breath for a favorable trade narrative.
• Wall Street is also closely watching for signals that trade issues won’t derail broader market momentum, especially with the S&P 500 clinging to the 6,000 level — it closed at 6,005 Monday, logging back-to-back gains.
• If the talks yield even a framework agreement or roadmap, analysts expect that could provide some fuel for another leg up — but if they stall, expect some turbulence.