The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq followed their world counterparts higher on Thursday, and gold prices eased as investors digested a mixed batch of corporate earnings along with signs of progress in tariff negotiations between the U.

A slew of countries will face steep levies, including a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil and a 30% tariff on the European Union.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged the European Union to make “the right strategic choice” and enhance cooperation with China, while EU leaders called for a rebalancing of trade ties, as the two sides tackle deep-seated grievances at a tense summit in Beijing.

LVMH's CEO Bernard Arnault plans to open a second factory in Texas, he said on Thursday, while the luxury group is anticipating a good outcome soon from trade talks between the U.S. and Europe.

MLB's July 31 trade deadline is just a week away, with rumors swirling around All-Stars and a Cy Young winner.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly expected to be sellers leading up to the MLB trade deadline on July 31, although it remains to be seen how many pieces they are willing to part with.

Bernard Arnault is urging European leaders to accept a trade deal similar to the one President Trump reached with Japan this week. The LVMH chief has also spoken with Trump, in an effort to cool tensions with the European Union.

LONDON (Reuters) -India is making "fantastic" progress in trade talks with the United States, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Reuters on Thursday, adding he was very confident that India would get special treatment from President Donald Trump.