Stock Futures Rise as Trump Hints at Semiconductor Tariff Exemptions

US stock futures climbed Thursday as President Trump's sweeping tariffs took effect, impacting nearly 200 trading partners after his deadline for trade deals expired. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F), S&P 500 (ES=F), and Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) futures ROSE 0.6%, 0.7%, and 0.8% respectively, buoyed by Trump's suggestion of exemptions for semiconductor tariffs.

Tech stocks extended gains for a second day following Trump's announcement that companies like Apple—which pledged a $100 billion US investment—would avoid upcoming 100% semiconductor duties. Apple shares advanced premarket as the company revealed plans to manufacture iPhone and Apple Watch components in Kentucky.

The new tariff regime raises average rates to 18.3%, with individual duties ranging from 10% to 50%. Market participants now await earnings reports from gig-economy players including Airbnb, DoorDash, and Lyft, with DoorDash shares already rallying on optimistic guidance.