US Stocks Rise as Tech Sector Leads with +2.23% Gain in XLK
A 5-minute read of yesterday's US session and today's catalysts — what to watch before pre-market opens at 21:30 HKT.
TL;DR
The US stock market closed higher on Thursday, with the XLK sector leading the gains with a +2.23% increase. The S&P 500 rose +0.22% to 7,580.06, while the Nasdaq 100 gained +0.36% to 30,333.18.
Today's focus will be on the upcoming earnings reports and macroeconomic data releases. Investors will be watching for any signs of a slowdown in the economy and how it may impact the stock market.
US Session Recap
| Index/Asset | Close | Change | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 7,580.06 | +0.22% | |
| Dow Jones | 51,032.46 | +0.72% | |
| Nasdaq 100 | 30,333.18 | +0.36% | |
| Russell 2000 | 2,919.34 | -0.59% | |
| VIX | 15.32 | -2.67% | |
| 10Y Yield | 4.45 | -0.04% | |
| WTI Crude | 87.76 | -1.28% |
Top large-cap movers
| Ticker | Close | Change |
|---|---|---|
| MSFT | 450.24 | +5.45% |
| AVGO | 446.77 | +4.73% |
| GS | 1,025.56 | +1.70% |
Spotlight
| Key Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| 10Y Yield | 4.45 |
| WTI Crude | 87.76 |
| VIX | 15.32 |
The 10Y Yield decreased by -0.04% to 4.45, while WTI Crude dropped -1.28% to 87.76. The VIX also fell -2.67% to 15.32.
These metrics indicate a decrease in market volatility and a potential shift in investor sentiment. The decrease in the 10Y Yield may lead to increased borrowing and spending, while the drop in WTI Crude could lead to lower energy costs.
Macro & Fed
- Current policy rate: 4.50%
- 10Y Yield: 4.45
- Today's data releases:
- 09:30 HKT: GDP Growth Rate
- 10:00 HKT: Consumer Confidence Index
Geopolitics & Global
- Tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, with potential implications for global trade and markets.
- The European Union is set to announce new economic sanctions on Russia, which could impact global energy prices.
- The US dollar index (DXY) fell -0.08% to 98.94, indicating a potential decrease in demand for the US dollar.
Earnings — What to Watch
| When | Ticker | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| 31 May 2026 | AAPL | Q2 earnings and revenue growth |
| 01 Jun 2026 | GOOGL | Q2 earnings and advertising revenue |
Stocks Worth Watching
- NVDA: Potential impact from the decrease in VIX and the increase in XLK
- MSFT: Recent +5.45% gain and potential for further growth
- AVGO: Recent +4.73% gain and potential for further growth
- GS: Recent +1.70% gain and potential for further growth
- JPM: Potential impact from the decrease in 10Y Yield and the increase in XLF
What Could Break the Tape
A decrease in consumer confidence and a potential slowdown in economic growth could lead to a decline in the stock market.
An increase in GDP growth rate and a potential decrease in unemployment could lead to a surge in the stock market.