The S&P 500 index closed slightly higher after a day of lackluster trading, marking its fourth consecutive day of gains amid ongoing investor focus on trade developments between the United States and China. This week has been characterized by a tariff truce between the two countries, which has supported market optimism. Investors have been awaiting new economic data following a robust start to the week, which was driven by soft inflation figures and the trade agreement. Despite mixed signals in international markets earlier in the week, major global stock indices showed some strength by Friday, with futures in New York rising modestly and European markets gaining. Overall, Wall Street was set to finish the week with strong gains, supported by optimism around trade and expectations of potential interest rate cuts in the U.S. following weaker economic data such as retail sales and producer inflation.