U.S. stock index futures pointed to a lower open on Friday, as investors navigated conflicting comments on the U.S.-China trade front despite signs of a possible softening in Beijing's stance. On a brighter note,

Wall Street experienced mixed outcomes but remained poised for weekly gains amid easing U.S.-China trade tensions. Beijing reduced tariffs, while investors focused on company earnings and future guidance.

The S&P 500 is so far up 4% for the week, while the Nasdaq Composite and the Dow have risen 5.6% and 2.4%, respectively, mainly driven by hopes of de-escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, Trump's backtracking on threats to fire the head of the Federal Reserve and some upbeat corporate results.