26 May 2026 · 09:00 HKT

Market Pulse

The 8 most market-moving stories today, impact-rated and filtered for US equities.

▲ Bullish FED

Fed’s Powell says rate cut ‘on the table’ as soon as September

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's statement that a rate cut is possible as soon as September has boosted market sentiment, as it suggests the central bank is open to easing monetary policy to support economic growth. This development is likely to have a positive impact on US equity prices, as lower interest rates can stimulate borrowing and spending.

SPYDIA
MarketWatch
▼ Bearish GEOPOLITICS

Oil rises, stocks mixed as new US strikes dampen peace deal optimism

The recent US strikes in the Middle East have dampened optimism about a potential peace deal, leading to an increase in oil prices and a mixed performance in the stock market. This development is likely to have a negative impact on US equity prices, as higher oil prices can lead to increased production costs and lower consumer spending.

USOSPY
Investing.com
▲ Bullish GEOPOLITICS

US stock futures advance as Iran peace hopes dent oil prices

US stock futures have risen as hopes for a peace deal in Iran have led to a decrease in oil prices, boosting market sentiment. This development is likely to have a positive impact on US equity prices, as lower oil prices can lead to increased consumer spending and lower production costs.

SPYUSO
Investing.com
▲ Bullish TECH

South Korea’s KOSPI hits record high on chipmaker rally

The KOSPI index in South Korea has reached a record high, driven by a rally in chipmaker stocks, which is likely to have a positive impact on US equity prices. This development suggests that the technology sector is strong, which can boost investor confidence and lead to increased investment in the US market.

XLKKorea ETF
Investing.com
▼ Bearish TECH

EU plans to fine Google high triple-digit million euro sum, Handelsblatt reports

The EU plans to fine Google a significant amount, which is likely to have a negative impact on the company's stock price and the broader technology sector. This development can lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and potential fines for other US tech companies, which can negatively impact US equity prices.

GOOGLXLK
Investing.com
▲ Bullish TECH

Intel Urges PC Makers to Switch to Its Latest Chips Amid AI Demand

Intel is urging PC makers to switch to its latest chips, which is likely to have a positive impact on the company's stock price and the broader technology sector. This development suggests that Intel is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for AI-related products, which can boost investor confidence and lead to increased investment in the US market.

INTCXLK
Yahoo Finance
▼ Bearish CONSUMER

Lowe’s sounds the alarm as customers change their tune

Lowe's has sounded the alarm as customers change their spending habits, which is likely to have a negative impact on the company's stock price and the broader retail sector. This development suggests that consumers are becoming more cautious with their spending, which can lead to decreased sales and revenue for US companies.

LOWXRT
Yahoo Finance
▼ Bearish CONSUMER

BJ’s Wholesale plans major store changes as customers pull back

BJ's Wholesale is planning major store changes as customers pull back on their spending, which is likely to have a negative impact on the company's stock price and the broader retail sector. This development suggests that consumers are becoming more cautious with their spending, which can lead to decreased sales and revenue for US companies.

BJXRT
Yahoo Finance