S&P futures are pointing to a slightly softer open today, down (0.2%). European equity markets are edging higher in early trades. Asia finished a mixed session with Japan and Korea flat or slightly higher, while Hong Kong and Australia traded lower. Bond markets remain in focus as yields initially rose on reports that Japan's finance ministry might reduce super-long bond issuance after last week's market turmoil. However, the latest JGB 40-year auction was softer than expected with a higher-than-expected accepted yield of 3.135%, the highest since 2007.

Companies Mentioned: Motorola, Travelers Cos., Chevron, Shein

S&P futures are pointing to a strong open today, up +1.5%. European equity markets are mostly higher in early trades with the FTSE 100 outperforming. Asian markets closed mostly lower, though Japan and Hong Kong saw modest gains. EU-US trade talks have intensified after President Trump delayed imposing 50% tariffs on EU imports, providing a 30-day window for negotiations. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič engaged with U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick and Trade Representative Greer, signaling a shift toward a cooperative tone. The EU may consider concessions, such as increased purchases of U.S. LNG and agricultural products.

Companies Mentioned: Chevron, Trump Media, MAC Copper

S&P futures are pointing up near 1.3%. European equity markets opened with strong gains after Trump extended EU tariff deadline. Asian equities posted a mixed response to the weekend developments. Overnight, treasury yields were flat, with the two year staying at around 4% and 10-year to 4.5%. US dollar weaker, Asia currencies stronger, Crude blends slightly higher, gold lower, base metals mixed. Cryptocurrencies higher with bitcoin back near its peak. Focus in Europe on Trump's tariff delay following von der Leyen call, which largely confirms Trump's tariff plans can be regarded as a negotiation tool. However, White House reportedly rejected EU proposal to completely remove tariffs on industrial goods and increasing opportunities for American agricultural products to reach EU. Potential meeting between Šefcovic and Greer may also be set for early June in Paris

Companies Mentioned: WiseTech Global, E2open, United States Steel, Nippon Steel, Nvidia

S&P futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today, up +0.2%. European equity markets are also broadly firmer in early trades, followed a mixed Asian session with Japan and Hong Kong outperforming. Risk sentiment improved following House's narrow approval of Trump's tax bill, though it now faces weeks of Senate debate. Concerns persist over the bill's impact on the U.S. budget deficit and weak demand for long-term bonds in Japan and the U.S. Investors are also awaiting progress on trade negotiations, with only 45 days left in Trump’s tariff pause.

Companies Mentioned: Apple, Weyerhaeuser, Goodyear Tire & Rubber

S&P futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today, up +0.2%. European equity markets are under pressure in early trades, with the STOXX 600 down (0.7%). Asian equities closed lower across the board, with South Korea leading the losses, while Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong also slipped. Market attention is centered on the U.S., particularly the potential passage of Trump's tax bill before the Memorial Day break. Key concerns include whether the bill will increase the budget deficit beyond levels that could pressure long-dated Treasury yields.

Companies Mentioned: Honeywell, Nike, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae

S&P futures are pointing to a lower open today, down (0.5%). European equity markets opened weaker with major indices all edging lower, while Asian markets finished Wednesday trading mostly stronger. The recent U.S.-China trade truce has led to a surge in trade activity, with China-to-U.S. freighter bookings doubling in mid-May and Shanghai-LA shipping rates rising 16%, the largest increase in 2025.

Companies Mentioned: Ford Motor, Wolfspeed, RBC Bearings

S&P futures are pointing to a slightly lower open, down (0.3%). European equity markets are broadly firmer in early trades, following a strong Asian session. Chinese battery maker CATL surged nearly +17% on its Hong Kong trading debut after raising $4.6B in the largest global listing of 2025. The offering saw strong demand, with institutional subscriptions oversubscribed 15.2 times and retail 151 times. Analysts highlighted its attractive valuation at 17x P/E and its position as a blue-chip industry leader in EV batteries, despite challenges like U.S. scrutiny and trade tensions.

Companies Mentioned: CATL, Coinbase, Ryman Hospitality Properties, American Water Works

S&P futures are pointing lower, down (1.2%). European equity markets are lower, near worse levels. Asian equities are broadly weaker with Hang Seng leading China markets lower. Japan, Korea and Australia all in negative territory. Overnight, treasury yields were mixed, with 2-year down 1 bp and 10-year up 7 bps to 4.5%. Dollar is weaker across the board. Gold has been rebounding after posting worst week since mid twenty twenty one. Crude and copper tracking equity market declines. Bitcoin erased earlier gain. Moody's downgraded US credit rating late Friday, citing growth in government debt and projected widening of deficits if tax cuts are extended. Downgrade plays into market's longstanding deficit concerns driven by Trump policy agenda that have contributed to upward rise in long-term yields and term premium widening to highest since 2014

Companies mentioned: NVIDIA, Assura, BT Group

US equity futures are slightly weaker. European markets are firmer, while most Asian markets ended mixed. Markets continue to digest this week’s US-China tariff de-escalation, with investor focus shifting toward the potential for new trade deals. Press reports suggest progress toward a US-Japan agreement, while Indian trade officials prepare to visit the US following comments from Trump about a potential zero-tariff offer from Delhi. April retail sales and core PPI both came in below expectations, while the Empire State and Philly Fed indices pointed to mixed regional activity. Fed Chair Powell avoided current policy commentary but reaffirmed the 2% inflation goal and flagged more frequent supply shocks going forward.

Companies mentioned: Live Nation Entertainment, Meta Platforms, NVIDIA

US equity futures are weaker. European equity markets are lower in early trade, while most Asian markets ended in negative territory. No major developments on the US-China tariff front, though recent signs of de-escalation persist. USTR Greer is in South Korea for APEC meetings with ongoing negotiations across Asia. Meanwhile, April’s CPI surprise earlier this week reduced expectations for rate cuts, with the market now pricing in less than 50 bp of easing this year. The White House hinted a new trade deal could be announced upon Trump’s return, while Japan and South Korea deals are reportedly nearing completion. Attention also on geopolitical headlines including Iran’s openness to a nuclear deal with the US and Russia’s absence from the Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul.

Companies mentioned: Dick's Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, UnitedHealth Group, Nvidia