U.S. stocks are drifting in mixed trading as they near the end of another roller-coaster week. The S&P 500 edged down by 0.1% Friday, as nearly three out of every four stocks were falling within the index.

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,