US equity markets settled with modest gains ahead of the long weekend despite mounting Sino-US tensions - Dow slipped -9-points or -0.04%, with Caterpillar Inc (down -1.39%) and Chevron Corp (-1.91) the key drags on the index. The broader S&P500 edged +0.24% higher, with Real Estate (up +2.21%) leading six of the eleven primary sectors higher. Energy (down -0.67%) was the worst performing sector. NASDAQ +0.43%. The smaller capitalisation Russell 2000 index gained +0.6%. Hertz Global Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy late Friday (22 May) For the week, the Dow rose +3.29% to log its best such rise since the week ended 9 April. The S&P500 and Nasdaq logged a weekly rise +3.2% and +3.44% respectively. The Russell 2000 outperformed with a +7% weekly jump. US equity and bond markets are CLOSED tonight AEST for the Memorial Day holiday.