Wall Street indices turned higher in the afternoon trading as investor sentiment improved following President Trump’s comments easing fears of further trade escalation with China and as regional bank stocks rebounded from steep losses. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.5% each, while Dow Jones rose over 250 points. Trump confirmed plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, noting that 100% tariffs on Chinese goods would not be sustainable for either economy. Consumer staples, energy, and financials led the gains, while materials and utilities lagged. Regional lenders such as Zions Bancorp and Western Alliance, which tumbled Thursday on loan concerns, recovered 4% to 6%. Strong earnings from Fifth Third Bancorp, Truist Financial, and Huntington Bancshares helped restore confidence in the sector. The KBW Regional Bank Index climbed 1.2%, rebounding from its steepest drop since April, as all major US indices stayed on track for weekly gains.