U.S. stock index futures pointed to a lower open on Friday, as investors navigated conflicting comments on the U.S.-China trade front despite signs of a possible softening in Beijing's stance. On a brighter note,

U.S. stocks rallied further as better-than-expected profits for U.S. companies piled up, though CEOs say they’re unsure whether it will last because of uncertainty created by President Donald Trump’s trade war.