US Indices Falter Ahead of Trump’s Presser on China

Equities

Major US stock index futures retreated from a multi-month high ahead of Trump's press conference on China. Market participants were optimistic about the reopening of the economy, and stocks were edging higher. However, the US-China tensions continued to cap rally, and Trump's announcement that he would hold a press conference on China without giving any further details sent markets tumbling. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropped to 25207, the S&P500 futures declined to 3010, and Nasdaq eased to 9380.

USD

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies, extended losses to a two-month low of 98.18. Market participants favored other currencies as the sluggish US data suggested further fiscal and monetary stimulus. The second reading of the first-quarter GDP showed that the economy shrank by 5 percent. More economic data will be out today, that would give us a hint on the performance of the beginning of the second quarter, among them personal spending. The EURUSD soared to a two-month high of $1.1114, the GBPUSD recovered to $1.2357, and the AUDUSD rallied higher to $0.6665.

Gold

Gold prices held steady awaiting Trump's speech on China, which could spur the demand for safety. The price of a gold ounce held steady above $1720, the price of a silver ounce hovered near $17.40, while palladium futures declined to $1860.

Oil

Oil prices continued to trade near their highest level since early March awaiting fresh fundamental drivers. Market participants are awaiting fresh clarity on Russia's decision on extending cuts, and the developments between China and the United States, which could worsen the global economic outlook. On the other hand, the US Energy Information Administration reported a significant rise of 7.928 million barrels in US weekly crude inventories, raising concerns over the recovery of demand. The West Texas Intermediate crude July delivery dipped to $32.54, and Brent blend August delivery held steady above $35.

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