Financial Market Preview - Thursday 23-Jan

US equity futures are slightly lower after a mostly positive close on Wednesday. European markets are trading mixed and Asian equities ended mixed. Market focus remains on US trade policy, with tariff-related headlines continuing to drive sentiment. Trump's threats to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China, and the EU have added uncertainty, although markets view his trade memorandum ordering an investigation as a less aggressive stance. Meanwhile, Trump also increased pressure on Russia to negotiate an end to war in Ukraine and threatened financial sanctions if he refused. AI remains in focus following the formal Stargate announcement, with investors weighing the long-term growth prospects against financing concerns. Companies mentioned: Ovintiv, Cadence Bank, Henry Schein