Stock market today: S&P 500, Nasdaq futures rise as Dow lags with Fed meeting, rush of earnings on deck

Market Overview - US stock futures showed mixed movements with S&P 500 futures rising by 0.3% and Nasdaq 100 futures climbing 0.7%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell approximately 0.3% due to a decline in UnitedHealth shares [1] - The Federal Reserve is set to begin a two-day meeting, with expectations to maintain the benchmark interest rate steady, while markets are looking for indications on future rate cuts [6] Trade Developments - The European Union and India finalized a free trade agreement after nearly two decades of negotiations, aiming to enhance economic ties and counteract US tariff policies [11][12] - The deal is projected to double EU goods exports to India by 2032, with tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exports to India being eliminated or reduced, while the EU will cut tariffs on 99.5% of goods imported from India over seven years [14] Company Earnings and Performance - UnitedHealth's shares dropped over 15% after a quarterly profit beat, as the proposed Medicare payment rates for the next year did not meet Wall Street expectations [4] - General Motors reported a fourth-quarter earnings beat, raised its dividend, and announced a $6 billion share buyback plan [5] - Salesforce's stock increased by 2% following a $5.6 billion contract with the Army, while Intel's stock rose by 3% after a recent decline [8] Health Insurance Sector - Health insurers experienced significant stock declines in after-hours trading, with Humana's stock falling by 12.5% and CVS Health's stock dropping over 10% due to a report indicating minimal increases in Medicare payment rates [20][21] - UnitedHealth's shares fell by 8.6% ahead of its earnings report, contributing to the downward pressure on the Dow Jones [21]