18 June 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 could lead to increased investor optimism and a boost to US equity prices. This potential shift in monetary policy may also lead to increased borrowing and spending, further stimulating economic growth.

SPYDIA
MarketWatch
▲ Bullish FED

Powell says labor market not a source of significant inflation pressure

Chairman Powell's comments on the labor market may alleviate concerns about inflation and interest rates, potentially leading to increased investor confidence and higher equity prices. A stable labor market could also support continued economic growth and consumer spending.

SPYDIA
MarketWatch
▲ Bullish MACRO

Swiss National Bank cuts interest rates by a half point to 0.5%

The Swiss National Bank's decision to cut interest rates may lead to increased investor appetite for riskier assets, potentially boosting US equity prices. This move could also lead to increased borrowing and spending in the global economy, supporting economic growth.

SPYDIA
MarketWatch
▲ Bullish MACRO

Dollar jumps 0.5% to 0.8890 francs

The strengthening US dollar may lead to increased investor confidence in the US economy, potentially boosting equity prices. A stronger dollar could also make US exports more expensive, potentially impacting trade balances and economic growth.

SPYDIA
MarketWatch
▲ Bullish MACRO

Germany flash manufacturing PMI rises to 4-month high of 43.2

The increase in Germany's manufacturing PMI may indicate a potential turnaround in the global economy, potentially boosting US equity prices. This improvement could also lead to increased demand for US exports and support economic growth.

SPYDIA
MarketWatch
▲ Bullish TECH

Fox's stock dropped following its announcement that it will acquire Roku for $22 billion

The acquisition of Roku by Fox may lead to increased competition in the streaming market, potentially impacting US equity prices. This deal could also lead to increased investment in the streaming industry, supporting growth and innovation.

FOXROKU
CNBC
▼ Bearish CONSUMER

CarMax shares fall after used car retailer reports earnings beats, CEO details turnaround plan

Despite the earnings beat, concerns about CarMax's ability to grow and cut costs may lead to decreased investor confidence, potentially impacting US equity prices. The company's turnaround plan may also face challenges in a competitive market, potentially affecting its stock performance.

KMX
CNBC
▼ Bearish CONSUMER

Target, Walmart and Amazon among brands losing LGBTQ+ consumer spending, new survey says

The shift in LGBTQ+ consumer spending away from certain brands may lead to decreased sales and revenue for these companies, potentially impacting US equity prices. This trend could also lead to increased focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives, supporting long-term growth and customer loyalty.

TGTWMTAMZN
CNBC
▼ Bearish ENERGY

Rivian laying off hundreds of workers amid R2 launch

The layoffs at Rivian may indicate challenges in the electric vehicle market, potentially impacting US equity prices. This move could also lead to increased focus on cost-cutting and efficiency, supporting the company's long-term growth and competitiveness.

RIVN
CNBC