US stocks open little changed as investors parse mixed trade signals from Trump and China. Alphabet tops earnings expectations, boosting its shares.

China called for all "unilateral" U.S. tariffs to be cancelled on Thursday, as signs emerged that the Trump administration may de-escalate its trade war with Beijing. China also clarified it has not held trade talks with Washington despite repeated comments from the U.

U.S. stock futures shed their early morning gains, falling into the red before the opening bell on Wall Street. Stocks are coming off a three-day relief rally fueled by investor hopes President Trump would ease tariffs on China and keep Jerome Powell in his post as chairman of the Federal Reserve.