Market news
Crypto, stocks, forex and macro, aggregated for traders.
US-Iran Memorandum Could Resume Oil Sales, Giving Tehran $60 Billion Annually
A potential US-Iran memorandum may allow Iran to resume oil and fuel sales, generating over $60 billion a year in revenue, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Switzerland Meeting Postponed as Spokesperson Cites No Urgency
A planned meeting in Switzerland has been postponed, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who noted that the digital signing of an agreement text early on May 18 removes any immediate urgency. A new date is expected in the coming days.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Open; Ships Advised to Use Southern Transit Route
A leading maritime security information group advises commercial vessels to continue transits through the Strait of Hormuz using the southern shipping route, day and night, while keeping AIS transponders active.
Bolivia Declares State of Emergency, Authorizes Military Amid Blockade Crisis
Bolivia has declared a state of emergency and authorized military deployment to address a worsening blockade crisis, aiming to restore transport routes and ensure the movement of essential goods.
South Korea's Market Structure Amplifies Volatility, $4.7B Forced Flows on 5% Move
South Korea's market structure now amplifies volatility on a massive scale. A 5% move in Korean stocks can trigger $4.7 billion in forced flows, with automated rebalancing now equal to 13% of daily market turnover.
ADP Report: AI Fails to Reduce Work, Raises Unpaid Overtime
A new ADP survey of over 39,000 workers in 36 markets finds that AI adoption is linked to more unpaid overtime, while job engagement remains low.
Former US Commander Doubts Lasting US-Iran Deal
Jack Keane, former deputy commander of the US Army, told Fox News he remains skeptical about a lasting agreement between the US and Iran despite ongoing negotiations.
Most Americans Over 50 Want to Age at Home, But Homes Are Not Ready
A majority of Americans aged 50 and older prefer to remain in their homes as they age, yet many homes lack necessary accessibility features—creating a significant opportunity for home retrofits.
New Guidelines: Nearly 90% of US Adults May Have CKM Syndrome
New medical guidelines indicate that nearly 90% of American adults meet the criteria for cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, underscoring a significant public health challenge.
Strait of Hormuz Southern Route Open Despite Mine Warning
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre has confirmed the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz is open day and night, but cautioned mariners of potential mines and ongoing clearance operations.
Trump Admin Warns States to Curb Unemployment Fraud or Lose Federal Funds
The Trump administration has put all 50 states on notice, threatening to withhold unemployment administration funds unless they crack down on jobless benefit fraud.
U.S. Student Loan Defaults Surge to 9.2 Million
The number of U.S. student loan defaults has risen sharply to 9.2 million, with one in five borrowers now in default, as collections resume and fears of a household debt crisis grow.
Record 25.2 Million US Young Adults Now Live with Parents
A record 25.2 million young adults in the US — one in three under age 35 — are now living with their parents, according to new data.
US Liquidity Indicator Turns Negative for First Time Since 2021
A key leading indicator of U.S. liquidity has turned negative for the first time since 2021, signaling tighter financial conditions that may weigh on equities.
Trump Officials Reportedly Open Backchannel with Israeli Opposition
Reports indicate that Trump administration officials have established backchannel contacts with Israeli opposition figures, signaling potential shifts in U.S.-Israel relations amid concerns over Netanyahu's coalition.
Dollar Bulls Surge as Traders Bet on Fed Rate Hikes
Hedge funds are piling into dollar call options amid growing bets on a Fed rate hike, pushing the Bloomberg Dollar Index near a 2026 high.
Big Tech Cuts Buybacks as AI Spending Gobbles Cash
Major technology companies are scaling back share repurchase programs as massive AI infrastructure investments strain free cash flow, with Alphabet halting buybacks for the first time in a decade.
Leveraged ETF Exposure in U.S. Markets Surpasses $460 Billion
Leveraged bets in U.S. equities have reached unprecedented levels, with total leveraged ETF exposure surpassing $460 billion. Investors have added $200 billion to these funds since April.
Seattle Downtown Loses 30,000 Jobs Since 2020 Payroll Tax
Downtown Seattle has lost over 30,000 jobs and billions in office property value since the implementation of a payroll tax in 2020, according to a Fox News report.
Trump Warns Iran Strikes Could Disrupt Oil Flows Through Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump cautioned that military strikes on Iran risk disrupting global oil shipments via the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump: Iranians 'Very Smart,' But Would Have Destroyed Israel Without U.S.
Former President Donald Trump praised Iranian intelligence while claiming that without U.S. support, Iran would have destroyed Israel. He also asserted that Israel would not exist today without his actions.
Trump Dismisses Concerns About Lula, Calls Brazilian Leader 'Very Volatile'
Donald Trump downplayed worries about Brazil's President Lula, describing him as 'very volatile' and saying he 'couldn't care less' about the criticism.
Trump Defends Iran Regime Change Claim, Says New Leadership Different
President Trump pushes back on critics, asserting that Iran has new leadership under 'Khamenei Jr.' and describing them as different people.
Iran FM May Visit Switzerland; Lebanon Ceasefire Key to US-Iran Talks
Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi may travel to Switzerland, signaling that a Lebanon ceasefire is a make-or-break condition for US-Iran negotiations.