Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene as USD/JPY Nears 161 Amid Yen Weakness 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Investors are preparing for a critical week on Wall Street as Nvidia and major U.S. retailers including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and TJX Companies release earnings reports that could influence the direction of the stock market. The reports are expected to provide deeper insight into two major market drivers in 2026: the artificial intelligence boom and inflation-driven pressure on consumer spending.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite remain close to record highs after a strong rally in recent weeks. Since hitting a low in late March, the S&P 500 has surged nearly 17%, supported largely by gains in technology and semiconductor stocks. Nvidia has been one of the biggest contributors to the rally, with its stock climbing 36% since March due to soaring demand for AI chips and data center infrastructure.
Market analysts believe Nvidia’s earnings report on Wednesday will serve as a major test for the AI sector. Investors are closely watching whether the chipmaker can maintain its dominance as competition in the semiconductor industry intensifies. Nvidia’s performance is also viewed as a key indicator of broader demand for artificial intelligence technologies and enterprise spending on AI infrastructure.
At the same time, inflation concerns continue to weigh on investor sentiment. Rising oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions in Iran have increased fears that higher energy costs could weaken consumer spending. Recent economic data showed stronger-than-expected increases in consumer and producer prices, while U.S. gasoline prices recently climbed above $4.50 per gallon.
Retail earnings next week are expected to reveal how inflation is affecting shoppers. Walmart and other major retailers may provide valuable insight into consumer resilience and spending trends across the U.S. economy. Analysts warn that if inflation continues to pressure household budgets, retail sales growth could slow in the coming months.
Despite the market’s strong rebound, some strategists remain cautious, noting that only a small group of large technology stocks has driven much of the recent gains. This narrow rally has raised concerns about the overall health and sustainability of the stock market recovery in 2026.
