U.S. stock markets surged to new records as the U.S. and China finalized a breakthrough trade deal focused on rare earth mineral exports. The agreement, which eases concerns over supply chain disruptions for critical components, spurred gains in technology and retail shares, while some rare earth mining stocks declined on expectations of increased supply from China. The rally highlights renewed investor optimism, even as tariff politics loom ahead of a key July 9 deadline.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Fed’s Preferred Inflation Measure Rises, Consumer Spending Falters
The Federal Reserve’s favored inflation gauge, the PCE price index, ticked up by 0.1% in May, confirming ongoing price pressures and supporting the central bank’s cautious approach on interest rates. Meanwhile, consumer spending and incomes both fell, raising questions about the strength of the U.S. economic recovery and potentially complicating future policy decisions.
Source: Seeking Alpha
All 22 Major U.S. Banks Pass Fed’s 2025 Stress Tests
The Federal Reserve’s annual stress test results showed all 22 of America’s largest banks maintained sufficient capital levels under severe hypothetical scenarios. This performance has led to positive moves in financial stocks and could pave the way for higher capital returns to investors, despite regulatory uncertainties about future capital requirements.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Visa and Mastercard Lose Key UK Antitrust Ruling, Merchant Fees Under Fire
A UK court ruled that Visa and Mastercard’s merchant fees breach antitrust law, opening the door to new regulatory and financial risks for the payment giants. The case may set a precedent for other jurisdictions and could catalyze further litigation over the structure and level of card transaction fees charged to retailers.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Oil Sees Steepest Weekly Drop Since March 2023 as Geopolitical Fears Ease
Crude oil prices posted their biggest weekly decline in over a year, as investors grew more sanguine about global supply risks following a Mideast ceasefire. Gold prices also retreated, reflecting the unwinding of safe-haven demand amid calmer geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Boeing Upgraded to ‘Buy’ as Cash Flow Prospects Improve
Boeing shares were upgraded by Redburn analysts, who noted the company is showing signs of “healthier” operations and is set for rising cash flow. The positive outlook comes amid ongoing operational scrutiny, but points to a potential turnaround in market sentiment.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada, Citing Digital Tax Dispute
Former President Trump abruptly announced an end to all trade negotiations with Canada, blaming steep Canadian tariffs on agriculture and a new digital services tax. The move adds new uncertainty to North American trade relations and could impact cross-border businesses as policy tensions escalate.
Source: Financial Post
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