Financial Market Preview - Thursday 15-May

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