Business

S&P Futures are displaying strong gains this morning as markets react to the latest news on the U.S. and China trade talks. The U.S. & China will be lowering tariffs by 115% for the next 90 days and agreed to continue trade talks. Healthcare stocks are weakening as President Trump is expected to sign an executive order on drug pricing today. Defense stocks are on watch as Russia and Ukraine appear ready for peace talks. House Republicans have released a new plan to cut Medicaid spending, opting for a compromise approach after internal debate between party centrists and hardliners. the House GOP plan represents a significant but less extreme reduction in Medicaid spending, shaped by intraparty negotiations and concerns over the potential impact on vulnerable populations. Earnings season remains in focus, with major reports due out this week from Cisco, Tencent, Alibaba, SoftBank, Walmart, and Target. 

S&P Futures are positive higher this morning. Trade talks between the U.S. and China this weekend are in focus. President Trump indicated a major announcement this weekend and indications are that the White House will be lowering its tariffs on China, but they will likely remain elevated. Interesting data point were the figures on China exports which came in positive by 1.8% for April. Apparently, goods were rerouted to various Asian countries and away from the U.S. as exports to the U.S. tumbled. The Trump administration is likely to rescind some of the Biden-era AI chip curbs. Fed Speak highlights the economic calendar today as there are a host of Fed officials scheduled to talk today. Fed governor Adriana Kugler spoke this morning and indicated that unemployment at 4.2% is likely near the Fed’s maximum unemployment goal. On the earning front, MCK, NET, DKNG, TKO, TTD, PINS & MCHP are higher after their earnings announcements.