Daily Global-Macro Brief LIVE

Markets 18

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average gains 607 points, or 1.2%, to hit fresh record
  • S&P 500 climbs 1.3%, Nasdaq Composite pops 2.2%
  • US crude falls 5% to around $80 per barrel
  • USD/JPY holds near 160.15 after early losses, with Yen underperforming peers amid BoJ policy uncertainty
  • BoJ expected to hike rates by 25bps to 1.0% on Tuesday, but guidance from Deputy Governor Uchida remains a key risk
  • Risk sentiment lifted by US-Iran deal finalization, but Yen remains pressured by fiscal easing plans and energy price risks
  • AI sector gains face valuation pressure if Fed signals prolonged high rates
  • Higher borrowing costs could slow venture capital and startup funding for moonshots
  • Market focus shifts to Fed meeting for cues on rate trajectory and economic outlook
  • Oil and AI-related trades surged during the conflict
  • Bonds, most European equities, and precious metals fell
  • Current market reaction is consistent with the broader context
  • Record short yen positions, up 4x since late Feb, with leveraged funds increasing shorts since conflict started
  • USD/JPY above 160.00 ahead of BoJ meeting, with MUFG expecting a fully priced 25 bps hike
  • Persistent yen weakness may prompt intervention, especially if energy prices and Fed expectations support a stronger yen
  • EUR/USD holds above 1.1600, near 10-day highs, after US-Iran peace deal boosts risk appetite
  • Eurozone industrial production rose 0.1% in April vs. 0.3% expected; trade balance swung to €1B deficit
  • Brent crude fell to 3-month lows near $82 on Iran peace hopes, easing pressure on Eurozone importers
  • ECB hawks Kazaks and Nagel flag inflation concerns, supporting hawkish rate expectations
  • AUD/USD rises 0.35% to 0.7070 as US-Iran framework agreement reduces demand for safe-haven assets
  • US Dollar weakens, with DXY falling 0.3% to 99.50
  • Oil prices decline sharply, with WTI losing 5%
  • Indian Rupee (INR) strengthens to near 94.60 per USD, down ~1.5% on day as oil prices plunge 5.5%
  • US-Iran finalize MoU ending military operations; Trump authorizes reopening of Strait of Hormuz
  • India's WPI inflation rises to 9.68% YoY in May, but oil price decline may limit RBI rate hike impact
  • US Dollar extends losses after US-Iran interim agreement
  • Deal expected to ease global economic risks and support Dollar reversal
  • Fed rate hike expectations scaled back, but hawkish surprise possible
  • BoE expected to hold at 3.75% with 7-2 vote split on Thursday
  • GBP/USD forecast to fall to 1.3100 amid weak UK growth vs stronger US outlook
  • UK political risks (e.g., Reform UK lead in polls) may worsen fiscal credibility and pressure GBP
  • USD/JPY trades near 160 with dips bought despite lower oil prices and BoJ 25bp hike expectations
  • BoJ rate hike seen as certain; market eyes narrowing 2-year UST/JGB spreads to ease intervention pressure
  • Speculative short JPY positioning at multi-year highs amid high-stakes BoJ-Fed policy divergence
  • Hot inflation and jobs readings mask a more somber reality, according to Citrini
  • This could be good news for the stock market
  • Strategists expect a potential rally if the market gets the go-ahead
  • USD/CAD holds above 1.3950, eyeing 1.4020 seven-month highs amid mixed drivers
  • Brent crude at three-month lows weighing on CAD, Canada's key export revenue driver
  • Fed decision on Wednesday in focus; BoC left rates unchanged last week amid inflation-growth trade-offs
  • USD/CAD expected to trade within a broad range in the near term
  • Limited directional conviction due to shifting expectations for Fed and BoC policy
  • Sustained break outside of range requires material shift in interest rate expectations or significant oil price move
  • AUD/USD trades at 0.7072, up ~0.3% on day, supported by risk-on sentiment and falling oil prices
  • Pair breaks above trendline resistance, with RSI and MACD indicating sustained bullish momentum
  • RBA expected to hold rates Tuesday; Fed seen on hold Wednesday, with potential dovish shift under new chair Warsh
  • Rabobank expects EUR/USD to rise from 1.15 to 1.16 in 3 months and 1.17-1.18 in 6-9 months
  • Dollar softened after ceasefire eased tensions, reducing safe-haven demand and Fed hike expectations
  • Technical resistance at 1.1673-1.1677 (200-day and 50-day SMAs) may cap gains
  • Riksbank seen holding policy rate at 1.75% for sixth straight meeting on Thursday
  • Bank may push back against market pricing for a 25bps hike by year-end, weighing on SEK
  • Updated forecast likely signals no rate changes through Q4 2026, extending hold into 2027

Macro/Economy 7

  • 90% of global businesses plan to electrify operations by 2035
  • Geopolitical instability drives demand for renewable energy
  • Survey of 1,994 business leaders across 18 markets
  • 10-year Treasury yield falls 2.1 bps to 4.459%
  • 2-year Treasury yield drops 3.1 bps to 4.054%
  • Oil prices tumble 5% after Iran deal announcement
  • Higher oil prices, China's export surge, and US AI investment driving hawkish shift at central banks
  • Supernormal profits and manageable funding costs expected to support risk assets through 2026
  • Spikier inflation and hawkish central bank thinking complicate macro landscape
  • Social Security trust fund projected to deplete by late 2032, requiring 78% benefit payouts unless action taken
  • Raising retirement age to 69 could cut median retiree benefits by $345–$741/month (17–35%)
  • Republicans previously proposed raising retirement age but latest budget claims no cuts to benefits
  • Experts warn age hike is long-term fix, not immediate solution, and disproportionately affects lower-income seniors
  • Solar capacity expected to rise 22% per year, outpacing overall power demand
  • Total electricity demand forecast to increase 6% annually over the next decade
  • Data‑center expansion and broader electrification identified as primary demand drivers
  • End of Middle East war seen as positive for Thai/global economies, reducing energy-price crisis risk
  • Oil prices may remain elevated for years due to damaged production/storage facilities
  • Thailand plans 200B baht loan to boost renewable energy and reduce oil dependence
  • Eurozone industrial production rises 0.1% in April, slower than 0.3% estimates
  • Annualized industrial output rises 0.3% after declining 2.8% in March
  • EUR/USD up 0.35% to near 1.1610 due to cheerful market sentiment

Central Banks 6

  • Fed funds futures price in 0% chance of June rate cut, per CME FedWatch
  • Warsh may favor 'trimmed mean' inflation metric, which currently signals dovish tilt vs. rising core CPI
  • Higher borrowing costs and energy prices strain U.S. household budgets, exacerbating K-shaped recovery
  • ECB’s Peter Kazimir emphasizes need for further monetary tightening despite US-Iran peace framework
  • Core inflation outlook above 2% remains uncomfortable, favoring front-loaded rate hikes
  • Energy shock impact on economy requires ECB vigilance and potential policy response
  • BoJ widely expected to hike rates by 25bps to 1.00% on Wednesday, but JPY remains pinned near 160/USD
  • Domestic core CPI eased below 2% in April, limiting BoJ hawkishness and capping JPY upside
  • Analysts see near-term consolidation with USD/JPY capped near 160; energy price relief may push pair to 155 only if BoJ surprises hawkishly
  • ECB to pilot wholesale tokenised transactions in central bank money via Pontes and Appia projects in 2026
  • Digital euro proposed to ensure public money access in retail payments, breaking dependence on foreign card schemes (60%+ of EU card payments)
  • ECB linking TIPS instant payment system to India’s UPI, ASEAN Nexus, and Switzerland’s SIC IP to enable cross-border payments in seconds
  • All 35 economists in Reuters poll expect SNB to keep policy rate at 0% on June 18
  • 28 of 35 see rates remaining at 0% through end-2024
  • Only 4 economists forecast rate hikes in 2027
  • ECB and Eurosystem portfolios' emissions fell 13% in 2025, driven by portfolio run-off
  • Green bond share in ECB own funds portfolio rose to 33% in 2025, targeting 35% in 2026
  • First-time inflation-adjusted emissions metrics introduced to reflect real decarbonisation progress

Energy/Oil 8

  • U.S. crude futures slipped 5.2% to $80.46 per barrel, first sub‑$80 level since March
  • Brent futures fell about 4.8% to $83.16 per barrel
  • Drop follows President Trump's announcement of a U.S.–Iran agreement to reopen the Hormuz Strait, which carries roughly 20% of global oil shipments
  • Brent crude down 3.95% to $83.88 per barrel
  • WTI down 4.62% to $80.96 per barrel
  • Prices dropped after US‑Iran deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz, ending 100‑day closure
  • Oil has been trending lower since mid‑May despite earlier escalatory strikes
  • WTI and Brent crude drop to ~$80/bbl after U.S.-Iran framework announcement
  • U.S. gasoline prices fall below $4/gallon per GasBuddy data
  • Geopolitical risk premium unwinds as de-escalation talks progress
  • Brent crude dropped 4.1% to $83.75/bbl, WTI fell 4.7% to $80.87/bbl amid US-Iran Strait of Hormuz deal
  • Strait reopening expected within 30 days, easing 20% of global oil/LNG supply choke point risk
  • Analysts warn further downside limited due to 60-day nuclear talks and sanctions relief uncertainty
  • U.S. and Iran reached a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ending over 100 days of closure.
  • China is expected to increase crude buying after months of historically low purchases.
  • Renewed Chinese demand could revive global inflationary pressures despite easing Middle‑East supply.
  • Brent crude prices fell sharply on the news, slipping below recent levels.
  • WTI crude falls 5% to $78.60, a three-month low
  • US-Iran deal eases supply concerns, lifting blockades and sanctions
  • Full recovery of oil traffic may take weeks to months
  • OPEC+ to raise output by 2.2 million bpd in 2025, with gradual monthly increases starting Q1
  • Saudi Arabia to cut voluntary supply by 1 million bpd through 2024, easing in 2025
  • Brent crude prices fell 2% to $82/bbl on news of increased supply
  • Fair Work Commission rejected Inpex's bid to suspend the strike at the Ichthys LNG plant
  • The dispute threatens output at the 9.2‑million‑ton per year Ichthys facility
  • No agreement reached with trade unions, so LNG production and exports remain disrupted

Gold/Metals 10

  • Gold surged 2.9% to $4,340, rebounding from $4,024 after US-Iran framework deal to end war
  • DXY fell 0.3% to 99.50, supporting gold as weaker dollar boosts non-US buyers
  • Fed policy meeting this week in focus as investors await signals on rate path and US economy
  • Gold near record highs above $2,400/oz, up ~15% YTD
  • Central bank buying and geopolitical risks underpin demand
  • Analysts see potential for further gains amid Fed rate-cut expectations
  • Gold prices rise 2.5% to $1,930/oz as investors seek safe-haven assets
  • Central banks' rate decisions and monetary policy announcements to shape gold market
  • Pivotal week ahead for Fed, ECB, and BoE, with potential implications for gold prices
  • Gold (XAU/USD) surges 2.5% after US and Iran agree to framework deal ending war
  • Falling WTI crude to ~$79/bbl eases inflation concerns, reducing Fed rate-hike expectations
  • XAU/USD remains below 20-day SMA at $4,414; RSI rebound signals easing selling pressure
  • Gold prices retreated after failing to sustain above $2,400/oz, down ~2% from recent peaks
  • Technical indicators suggest momentum weakening, with RSI dropping below 70
  • Analysts warn of potential deeper correction toward $2,250–$2,300/oz if support breaks
  • Gold fell 26% from peak to trough amid crowded positioning, reduced central-bank purchases, stronger USD, and higher real rates
  • Barclays advises investors to prepare for a potential rebound in gold prices
  • Analysts recommend specific gold-linked stocks as a tactical play on the metal's recovery
  • Silver (XAG/USD) up 3.91% to $70.69, paring YTD loss to 0.55%
  • Gold/silver ratio fell to 61.37 from 62.03, signaling relative silver strength vs gold
  • Silver gains driven by weaker USD backdrop and industrial demand tailwinds
  • Gold prices under pressure from bearish MACD crossover on daily charts
  • Technical resistance seen at $2,350/oz; support at $2,280/oz
  • Geopolitical de-escalation hopes failing to offset stronger USD and higher yields
  • Gold price at ~$2,350/oz, aligning with historical fair-value estimates
  • Recent pullback from record highs (~$2,450/oz) driven by profit-taking and stronger USD
  • Investor focus shifts to Fed rate-cut timing as key driver for near-term gold direction
  • Silver's Square of 9 technical pattern indicates a breakout target above $70.90
  • Breakout above $70.90 would mark a significant resistance level for silver
  • Technical analysis suggests renewed upward momentum if resistance is cleared

Crypto 1

  • Perpetual futures on SpaceX via Hyperliquid and Binance traded at $153–$180 ahead of IPO, closely aligning with final $150 stock price
  • Hyperliquid processed 7M SpaceX perps ($1.2B volume) vs 500M SpaceX shares in debut session, underscoring crypto derivatives' growing role
  • CME, Cboe, Nasdaq shares fell after Kalshi secured CFTC approval to trade bitcoin perpetual futures, signaling competitive pressure on traditional exchanges

Geopolitics 9

  • U.S. and Iran agreed to end war with immediate ceasefire, naval blockade removal, and 60-day nuclear talks
  • EU, UK, France, Germany, Italy to lift sanctions if Iran curbs nuclear program and reopens Strait of Hormuz within 30 days
  • Brent crude fell 4% to $83/barrel, WTI slid 4.8% to $80.80 on deal announcement
  • US VP Vance expects Strait of Hormuz to be open toll-free in the long term
  • Two-step verification process to be implemented
  • Details still to be sorted out with Tehran
  • Odds of normal traffic by August: 58%
  • Probability of normal traffic by end of year: 75%
  • Deal to reopen strait expected to be signed on Friday in Geneva
  • Preliminary U.S.-Iran deal extends ceasefire by 60 days, pending nuclear program negotiations
  • Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz and destroy enriched uranium stockpile under framework terms
  • U.S. expects long-term Strait access and sanctions relief if Iran complies with inspection/verification regime
  • Iran's Baghaei: Sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon part of agreement with US
  • US to commit to giving Iran access to frozen funds, but not provide direct payment
  • Iran to ensure safe passage in Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Oman and other countries
  • Trump warns France to scrap 3% tech 'sales tax' or face 100% tariffs on wine/champagne imports
  • French wine exports to U.S. fell 15.9% in value to $2.2B in 2025 from $2.4B in 2024
  • Digital services tax targets U.S. tech giants like Amazon, Meta, Alphabet with 3% levy on French revenues
  • Japanese shipping companies to wait for formal agreement on Hormuz deal
  • Several hundred vessels stuck near Strait of Hormuz since March
  • Iran to reopen strait after US-Iran agreement on Friday
  • UK-led GCAP program remains on schedule despite delays in other defense projects
  • Italy and Japan reaffirm commitment to joint sixth-generation fighter development
  • Program aims to replace aging Eurofighter and F-2 fleets by mid-2030s
  • A LNG tanker is heading to the Strait of Hormuz following a preliminary US‑Iran agreement.
  • President Trump announced a deal to reopen the Hormuz chokepoint, with a signing slated for Friday.
  • The agreement includes a 60‑day cease‑fire period while negotiations on war‑ending conditions continue.

Tech/AI 6

  • SPCX's gravitational pull effect expected to boost chip stock
  • Analysts see 20% upside potential in the chip stock
  • Increased demand for chips expected due to SPCX's growth
  • Tech sector leads market rally post-ceasefire, with SOXX up 71% since April 8
  • S&P 500 tech surged 34% and Nasdaq 17% in same period, fueling broader market gains
  • JPMorgan turns tactically bullish on tech, favoring AI theme and US over Asia exposure
  • Risk of deal collapse by Friday could temper momentum, per JPMorgan and JD Vance comments
  • KeyBanc sets $50 target on Firefly Aerospace (57% upside) and $135 on Rocket Lab (32% upside)
  • SpaceX IPO valued at $2.1T, but aerospace ETF and peers like Rocket Lab (-11%) and Firefly (-19%) sold off
  • NASA and satellite demand growth cited as key drivers for space sector upgrades
  • SpaceX IPO valuation hits $2 trillion; Ron Baron Capital buys $1bn stake, increasing total to $25bn
  • Baron cites SpaceX's 10-year lead in rockets/satellites, sees $20-40tn valuation potential in a decade
  • SpaceX now 33% of Baron Partners Fund ($10.4bn AUM) and 25.5% of Baron Asset Fund
  • UBS warns US AI model curbs could trigger semiconductor selloff
  • Software stocks may benefit from regulatory constraints on AI models
  • Impact hinges on scope of new US restrictions on AI model releases
  • Thailand's AI strategy should pivot from basic training to cultivating 'super talents' capable of building advanced AI models
  • Lack of top-tier innovators risks ceding competitive edge in AI-driven sectors like healthcare and agriculture
  • Recommendations include importing elite talent, investing in high-performance computing, and creating startup incubation programs

Companies 19

  • Salesforce to acquire AI customer service platform Fin for $3.6 billion
  • Deal expected to close in Q4 2027, complementing Agentforce platform
  • Fin's AI agent can resolve queries across multiple channels, powered by Apex model
  • Roku's stock surges to 4-year high after $22 billion deal
  • Fox to acquire Roku in all-stock transaction
  • Deal valued at $22 billion, pending regulatory approval
  • United Bankshares stock price reaches 52-week high at 45.93 USD
  • Stock price up from 2023 lows
  • 52-week high indicates positive investor sentiment
  • Umb Financial Corporation stock price reaches 136.48 USD, a new all-time high
  • Stock price up 2.5% in the past week
  • Market capitalization exceeds 2.5 billion USD
  • Morgan Stanley identifies stocks beating S&P 500
  • Bull market may continue despite peak earnings revisions and liquidity
  • Stocks with strong fundamentals could drive market gains
  • SpaceX shares surged 6% on Monday after debuting at $135/share, closing Friday at $161 with a $2T+ market cap
  • Analysts split on valuation: CFRA and Morningstar rate stock 'sell' with targets $115 and $63/share respectively, citing high capex ($10.1B in Q1) and unproven revenue streams
  • NewStreet Research sets bullish $165 target, citing 10-year lead in rocket launch tech and long-term AI/data center opportunities
  • CEO steps down after less than two years in the role
  • Fiserv shares have tumbled roughly 71% since the CEO took office
  • Analysts describe the firm as strategically adrift amid the decline
  • The stock continues to trade lower with no clear recovery catalyst
  • SpaceX's IPO values company at $2.1 trillion, largest ever recorded
  • Shares extend gains following valuation announcement
  • IPO marks significant milestone for private space and tech sectors
  • Q2 earnings missed analyst estimates by 12%, reporting $2.1B vs $2.4B expected
  • Downstream segment profit fell 35% due to refining margin compression
  • Company maintained full-year guidance but signaled cautious outlook on demand
  • Nuvei to buy Payoneer in an all-stock deal valued at $2.75 billion
  • Transaction aims to strengthen cross-border payment capabilities and global reach
  • Combined entity expected to process over $100 billion in annual payment volume
  • Barclays upgrades European energy services stocks to overweight amid structural demand shifts
  • Stocks selected based on exposure to offshore wind, decommissioning, and energy transition projects
  • Sector seen benefiting from EU energy security policies and decarbonization capex
  • Morgan Stanley initiates Onto Innovation (ONTO) as overweight with upside to consensus estimates
  • TD Cowen raises Micron (MU) PT to $1,500 ahead of earnings, expecting $23 EPS for MayQ
  • Citi downgrades Old Dominion (ODFL) to Sell and C.H. Robinson (CHRW) to Neutral on valuation concerns
  • Morgan Stanley upgrades Ferrari (RACE) to Overweight, PT raised to $438 from $388
  • KeyBanc upgrades Rocket Lab (RKLB) and Firefly Aerospace (FLY) to Overweight, citing decade-long rocket demand
  • Q1/2026 core net profit THB 115.9m, up 82.9% YoY driven by Xayaburi (+THB 190.7m) and Nam Ngum 2 plants
  • Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant saw higher water inflow and lower financing costs post-loan repayments
  • Liquidity ratio 1.78x and debt-to-equity 0.47x signal strong balance sheet amid rate-cut expectations
  • Capital One (COF) purchased at $193.81, increasing trust's position to 3.25% of portfolio
  • Analysts cite 7x 2027 EPS valuation as 30-35% discount to peers, bullish on Discover integration
  • Baird estimates COF could maintain $18.70 EPS even with 30% credit loss provisions via marketing spend cuts
  • Valens Semiconductor filed a Form 144, indicating potential insider stock sales
  • Form 144 is a notice of proposed sale of restricted securities
  • No specific volume or timing disclosed in the filing
  • El Al becomes first major airline to adopt Starlink for in-flight internet
  • Deal includes high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband for passenger Wi-Fi
  • Starlink expands aviation market presence amid growing demand for inflight connectivity
  • Lindblad Expeditions stock hits all-time high at $24.30
  • Shares up 3.1% intraday to reach record level
  • Gains driven by strong travel demand and expedition sector momentum
  • KFC plans to expand boneless chicken options and improve tenders to boost juiciness and crispiness globally
  • New 'Dunked' menu and 20+ global sauces launched in UK/Ireland, rolling out to US/Australia later in 2024
  • Introduces Kwench by KFC drink line with boba, sparkling lemonades, and iced coffees in select markets
  • U.S. market share fell from 16% in 2021 to 9.4% in 2024, trailing Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and Raising Cane's
  • Same-store sales growth of 2% reported globally, with China and Europe as primary growth drivers
  • Verra Mobility stock up ~5% after securing Los Angeles speed camera contract
  • Contract adds recurring revenue stream amid broader smart mobility push
  • Shares outperform peers in small-cap infrastructure/tech space

Thai Markets 1

  • Event in Bangkok (17–20 Jun 2026) to feature 2,000+ brands from 30 countries across 7 specialized exhibitions
  • Key themes: automation, robotics, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient manufacturing solutions
  • Notable innovations: KraussMaffei’s all-electric plastic injection machine (3,200 kN) and SODICK’s energy-saving Wire-cut EDM (up to 50% energy reduction)

Other 7

  • Reverse mortgage scams target people aged 62 or older, with 201,266 complaints and $7.7 billion in losses in 2025.
  • Common types of reverse mortgage scams include unscrupulous salespeople, foreclosure 'saviors,' and nickel-and-dimers.
  • To avoid scams, seek HUD-certified counseling, get quotes from reputable lenders, and don't give sensitive information to unsolicited callers.
  • Panel members discussed the importance of security, usability, and cultural representation in banknote design
  • The Bank received over 44,000 responses in a public consultation, with nature and wildlife being a popular theme
  • The panel agreed to consider conservation status and habitat diversity when selecting wildlife for the shortlist
  • Home modifications for disabled individuals may be tax deductible
  • At least half of remodeling cost must be for accessibility features
  • Consult a tax professional for specific guidance
  • UK plans to ban social media platforms for under-16s by spring 2027, stricter than Australia's model
  • Additional restrictions include blocking livestreaming, stranger chats, and default curfews for minors
  • Tech firms warn of unintended consequences, citing VPN circumvention and loss of supervised teen experiences
  • 20% unemployment rate among 920,000 U.S. military spouses (2024 DoD data)
  • Prados Beauty founder rejected for funding 50+ times before scaling to 600+ JCPenney stores
  • Proposed SBA legislation aims to waive loan fees up to $1M and reduce down payments by 5% for military spouse entrepreneurs
  • Average revenue for AMSE members under $10,000/year due to relocation and operational hurdles
  • Military families relocate every 2.5 years on average, complicating business continuity
  • Former spouse married 23 years may qualify for divorced spouse benefits
  • Social Security gave conflicting answers on eligibility and benefit levels
  • Recipients advised to verify records via SSA website or local office
  • Panel recommended 4 animal categories for June 2026 public consultation on new UK banknote designs
  • Shortlist divided by taxonomy to ensure varied, recognizable species symbolizing UK wildlife
  • Final decision on shortlist rests with Bank of England Governor, with consultation running June 3–July 3