2203 GMT - Australia's S&P/ASX 200 is on track to open slightly higher after U.S. equities gained amid renewed optimism on trade and tariffs. ASX futures are up by less than 0.1% ahead of Friday's session. The benchmark index could have a shot at a fourth consecutive weekly gain. It is down by 0.6% so far this week, but has risen for two straight days. Financial giant Macquarie is scheduled to announce earnings on Friday. All three major U.S. indices rose after President Trump announced a trade agreement with the U.K. and more trade discussions would occur in coming days. The DJIA and S&P 500 each added 0.6%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.1%. ([email protected])

(END) Dow Jones Newswires