Archive · 21 Sep 2026
US Stock Futures Rise as Oil Falls Before Trump-Xi Summit
US stock futures moved higher before markets opened on Monday.
Investors felt somewhat calmer because oil prices were falling.
Lower oil prices can reduce costs for businesses and consumers.
Investors were also encouraged by positive talks between US and Chinese officials.
President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss trade, tariffs, and artificial intelligence.
Their meeting comes as the two countries consider reducing some tariffs on billions of dollars in goods.
Oil prices remain uncertain because conflict and shipping problems continue in the Middle East.
Markets may also react to news about interest rates and global borrowing costs.
For now, traders are watching the Trump-Xi meeting closely.
S&P 500 futures rose 0.7%, while Dow and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.8% and 1.1%, respectively.
Falling crude prices and positive US-China trade discussions supported investor sentiment.
US and Chinese officials discussed trade and artificial intelligence ahead of the Trump-Xi summit.
China confirmed that President Xi Jinping will visit the United States from September 23 to 25.
Brent crude fell about $3.50 to $100.20 per barrel as energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz improved.
- Who
- US investors, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, US President Donald Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- What
- US stock futures rose as crude oil prices declined and investors focused on upcoming US-China discussions.
- When
- Monday, September 21; Xi Jinping's US state visit is scheduled for September 23-25.
- Where
- US financial markets, New York, and the United States-China diplomatic talks.
- Why
- Markets were supported by lower oil prices and hopes for progress on trade, tariffs, and artificial intelligence.
Market Optimism
Market Risks
US-China summit
Market Optimism
Positive comments from Scott Bessent and progress on tariff discussions raised hopes for improved trade relations.
Market Risks
Trade and tariffs remain unresolved, and the summit could be affected by disagreements over commerce and artificial intelligence.
Oil prices
Market Optimism
Improved vessel traffic and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, along with possible diplomatic talks, helped push oil prices lower.
Market Risks
The strait remained largely closed, while US-Iran tensions, Houthi activity, and Saudi pipeline disruptions continued to threaten energy supplies.
Broader market outlook
Market Optimism
Lower oil prices and limited economic data could provide markets with near-term relief.
Market Risks
Investors still face Middle East tensions, elevated global bond yields, heavy artificial-intelligence spending concerns, and recent interest-rate increases.
- S&P 500 futures
- Up 0.7% in Monday trading.
- Nasdaq 100 futures
- Up 1.1%.
- Dow futures
- Up 0.8%.
- Brent crude
- Down about $3.50 to $100.20 per barrel.
- US crude
- Down 2.63% at the day's low of about $97 per barrel.
- US-China tariff discussions
- Potential reciprocal tariff reductions involving $30 billion of goods from each side.
- Xi Jinping's visit
- China confirmed a US state visit from September 23 to 25.