Economic security

U.S. Stock Index Futures Fall as China Trade Talks Disappoint

U.S. stock index futures slipped in Asia after a statement on China trade talks disappointed some investors and lawmakers in Washington remained gridlocked over a resolution on a partial government shutdown.

Contracts on S&P 500 e-minis expiring March slid as much as 0.7 percent. The underlying gauge pared gains on Wednesday as the spending impasse extended into its 19th day. Contracts on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq 100 fell 0.6 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively.

China and the U.S. wrapped up three-days of mid-level talks on Wednesday with Washington pressing for a way to make sure Beijing delivers on commitments made in any deal. For its part, China said the meetings were “extensive, in-depth and detailed,” and laid the foundation for a resolution of the conflict. Statements from both sides made no mention of the next round of tariffs to be implemented by March.