Stock futures rise after ‘substantial progress’ is made in US-China trade negotiations

CNN - May 11th, 2025
Open on CNN

Stock futures rose on Sunday following Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of 'substantial progress' in trade negotiations between the United States and China, potentially easing tensions from President Trump's recent tariff escalations. The Dow futures jumped by 1.10%, S&P 500 futures increased by 1.25%, and Nasdaq Composite futures rose by 1.44% as of 6:15 p.m. ET. Key figures including Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Chinese officials in Geneva to address the repercussions of the 145% tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by Trump last month, which prompted China to retaliate with 125% tariffs on US goods.

The meeting aimed to calm volatile markets affected by the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing trade conflict. The negotiations are significant as they signal a potential thaw in US-China relations, which have been strained by the tit-for-tat tariffs impacting global trade and economic stability. The developments are being closely monitored by investors and businesses worldwide, as successful negotiations could avert further economic disruption and restore confidence in international markets.

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RATING

5.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The news story covers a relevant and timely topic, focusing on U.S.-China trade negotiations and their impact on stock markets. While the article is clear and accessible, it lacks depth and transparency in its sourcing and fails to provide a balanced perspective by omitting the Chinese viewpoint. The accuracy of specific claims, such as the exact tariff rates and market reactions, requires verification. The story has the potential to influence public opinion and investor behavior but would benefit from more detailed analysis and diverse perspectives to fully engage readers and provoke meaningful discussion.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story contains several factual claims that require verification. For instance, the article states that stock futures rose after "substantial progress" in trade negotiations, which is a claim that needs confirmation from official sources or market data. The specific percentage increases in Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite futures are given, but these figures should be cross-referenced with financial data to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the article mentions tariffs imposed by President Trump and retaliatory tariffs by China, specifying rates of 145% and 125% respectively. These figures are unusually high and should be verified against official trade announcements. The mention of key figures like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer adds credibility, but their roles and statements need corroboration through official press releases or statements.

5
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the U.S. perspective, highlighting actions taken by American officials and President Trump. It lacks a balanced view by not providing insights or reactions from Chinese officials or other international stakeholders. The absence of diverse viewpoints, especially from the Chinese side, suggests a potential bias towards the U.S. narrative. Additionally, the article does not explore the broader implications of the trade negotiations on global markets or other countries, which could provide a more balanced perspective.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, presenting the main points in a straightforward manner. The structure follows a logical progression, starting with the key news about stock futures and then providing background on the trade negotiations and tariffs. The language is neutral, avoiding overly technical jargon, which aids comprehension. However, the lack of detailed explanations for some claims, such as the specific outcomes of the negotiations, could leave readers with unanswered questions.

4
Source quality

The article references Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, which suggests reliance on high-level government sources. However, it does not provide direct quotes or specific sources for these claims, reducing the reliability of the information. The lack of attribution to specific statements or data sources, such as financial reports or official press releases, undermines the credibility of the article. The mention of CNN's Betsy Klein as a contributor adds some journalistic credibility, but the absence of a variety of sources limits the overall source quality.

5
Transparency

The article provides minimal context regarding the basis for its claims, such as the specifics of the trade negotiations or the methodology behind the reported stock futures increases. There is no explanation of how the information was obtained or any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the reporting. The lack of transparency regarding the sources of information and the absence of detailed explanations for the claims made reduce the overall transparency of the article.

Sources

  1. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/11/bessent-productive-talks-china-00340872
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-china-talks-tariffs/
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQGthEqA6Yw
  4. https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2025/05/links-5-11-2025.html
  5. https://globalwarmingplanet.com/MenuItems/Energy