PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech Republic’s central bank cut its key interest rate again on Wednesday, with lower-than-expected inflation. The cut brought the interest rate down by a quarter of a percentage point to 3.50%. The bank had kept the rate unchanged at its previous policy meeting in March.

China has announced a barrage of measures meant to counter the blow to its economy from U.S. President Donald Trump ’s trade war, as the two sides prepare for talks later this week. Beijing’s central bank governor and other top financial officials outlined plans to cut interest rates and reduce bank reserve requirements to help free up more funding for lending.

Stocks are poised to open higher Wednesday following news that the U.S. and China are scheduled to discuss trade, as investors digest a flurry of earnings reports and await the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates.

U.S. stock index futures rose on Wednesday as hopes of a de-escalation in trade tensions with Beijing firmed, while investors awaited the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates that is expected later in the day.

US stocks end lower as the Fed meets on interest rates. No rate move is forecast. Investors also want to see trade deals, which haven't materialized.