The S&P 500 is struggling to hold onto what would mark its eighth consecutive day of gains on Friday. The index rose 0.2% by lunchtime, aided by a slightly lower core Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading than expected and expectations of a negotiated settlement between the US and Iran over the coming weekend, only to sink to -0.1% by…
Late yesterday it appeared that US-Iran negotiations were headed for catastrophe after Vice President JD Vance left Pakistan without a deal but not all hope is yet lost if you read between the lines from the latest statements. The most-recent one is from Trump, who said the US will clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz and blockade Iran…
ING’s Chief Economist for Greater China, Lynn Song, highlights that Taiwan’s March trade data far exceeded expectations, with exports and imports surging and the trade surplus more than doubling year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. The report stresses Taiwan’s growing dependence on tech-related exports, rising export prices, and significant upside surprises that are prompting an upgrade to 2026…
Sector Overview Today’s stock market heatmap reveals a notable upswing in the semiconductor sector, with major players like Nvidia (NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO) leading the charge. Nvidia is up by 2.22% and Broadcom by an impressive 5.45%, signaling strong investor confidence in this high-tech segment. Meanwhile, consumer cyclicals also see gains, particularly with Amazon (AMZN) increasing by 2.33%, reflecting…
Japan CFTC JPY NC Net Positions dipped from previous ¥-72.9K to ¥-93.7K
In an unusual post on TruthSocial, Pres. Trump says: Shares of Palantir reached a new low going back to June 2025 today at $122.68. The price is now trading at $128.20. The high reached $129.17. It is great Trump has the time to post on his stock picks, with all the other stuff going. Amazing. Like never seen before….
United States CFTC S&P 500 NC Net Positions declined to $-45.7K from previous $-42.5K
The geopolitical tension continues with reports that Trump had a tense call with Israel Netanyahu on Lebanon. Trump wants Israel to slow down its bombings on Lebanon while negotiations for a cease-fire continue with Iran. Netanyahu does not want to stop the bombing. In other geopolitical news: Iran also wants the release of blocked assets prior to the commencement…
Eurozone CFTC EUR NC Net Positions: €-7.5K vs previous €0.5K
In an interview with the New York Post President Donald Trump said US warships are being reloaded with “the best ammunition” in case strikes on Iran resume Warned military action will follow if peace talks fail Said outcome of negotiations should be known within ~24 hours Peace talks taking place in Pakistan (Islamabad) following a two-week cease-fire US delegation…
