US FUTURES markets were higher this week with investors hopeful
negotiations between the US and China can avert a trade war.

US President Donald Trump ordered the US Commerce Department to assist
Chinese telecom group ZTE, which it had nearly put out of business
after banning it from sourcing vital components from US companies.

That surprise turnaround has paved the way for Chinese delegates who
are arriving in Washington this week to discuss trade between the two
economies, reported London's Financial Times.

Futures for the S&P 500 were up 0.1 per cent, while those for the Dow
Jones Industrial Average have ticked 0.2 per cent higher, and those
for the Nasdaq 100 are up 0.2 per cent.