Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
U.S. stock index futures declined on Sunday evening as renewed trade tensions and geopolitical concerns rattled investor sentiment. President Donald Trump announced a hike in steel import tariffs from 25% to 50%, effective June 4, reigniting fears of a prolonged trade war. The move, accompanied by accusations that China violated a recent tariff rollback agreement, sent a warning to markets that higher trade barriers are likely to remain.
S&P 500 futures fell 0.3% to 5,899.25, Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 0.3% to 21,307.25, and Dow Jones futures slipped 0.3% to 42,170.00 as of 23:23 GMT. The retreat follows strong May gains, driven by hopes of easing trade tensions, particularly a temporary deal with China. However, fresh comments from the Trump administration, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stating that tariffs are “here to stay,” suggest that progress has stalled.
Adding to the pressure, markets are bracing for key U.S. economic data on Monday, including manufacturing PMI readings from S&P Global and ISM, as well as a closely watched speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Investors are looking for guidance on inflation trends and future interest rate moves after recent PCE data showed modest cooling.
Meanwhile, geopolitical risks are rising. Reports of a possible terrorist attack at a rally in Boulder, Colorado, and intensifying conflict between Russia and Ukraine have dampened risk appetite ahead of expected peace talks.
On Friday, Wall Street ended the month mixed. The S&P 500 finished flat but posted a 6% gain for May. The Dow Jones also closed unchanged, ending the month up 3.9%, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.3% but gained 2% in May.
