<h1>US stocks inch up as earnings, Fed rate talks, and US-China trade deadlines shape market outlook</h1> US stock indexes showed modest gains amid a busy week of corporate earnings reports and upcoming economic decisions. Several major companies reported quarterly profits, with some exceeding expectations and others falling short, impacting their stock prices accordingly. The Federal Reserve is set to begin a two-day meeting to decide on short-term interest rates, with market participants anticipating a cautious approach pending further economic data related to tariffs. Trade negotiations between the US and China continue under a looming August deadline, with potential tariff reinstatements if no agreement or extension is reached. Additional tariff deadlines and key economic reports, including employment data, are expected later in the week. These developments may influence whether the US stock market sustains its recent record highs or faces downward pressure amid concerns about overvaluation and economic uncertainty.