Category: Market News

U.S. stock futures are signaling a modest decline at Monday’s open, following two consecutive weeks of gains. Investors may look to lock in recent profits after the Nasdaq and S&P 500 hit record highs.

Trading activity could be muted, as markets anticipate a White House meeting between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other European leaders later today. The meeting follows Trump’s Friday talks in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which made some progress but did not produce a formal agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social, suggesting Zelenskyy could act “with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to.”

Investors are also eyeing comments from central bank officials at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium later this week, alongside earnings reports from major retailers including Walmart (NYSE:WMT) and Home Depot (NYSE:HD).

Last week, stocks showed mixed performance. On Friday, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 declined, while the Dow posted a modest gain. Specifically:

• Dow Jones: +34.86 points, +0.1%, to 44,946.12
• S&P 500: -18.74 points, -0.3%, to 6,449.80
• Nasdaq: -87.69 points, -0.4%, to 21,622.98

Despite Friday’s drop, the weekly performance remained positive, with the Nasdaq up 0.8%, S&P 500 up 0.9%, and the Dow climbing 1.7%.

Market weakness was influenced by mixed U.S. economic data, raising questions about the economy and interest rate trends.

• The Commerce Department reported retail sales rose 0.5% in July, in line with forecasts, after a revised 0.9% increase in June. Excluding autos, sales climbed 0.3%, matching expectations.
• Meanwhile, the University of Michigan reported consumer sentiment fell to 58.6 in August, down from 61.7 in July, below the expected 62.0.
• Inflation expectations also climbed, with one-year forecasts rising to 4.9% from 4.5%, and long-term expectations increasing to 3.9% from 3.4%.
• The Labor Department noted import prices exceeded estimates in July, while industrial production slightly contracted.

Sector performance was uneven: semiconductors led declines, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index down 2.3%, and bank stocks falling, as the KBW Bank Index lost 2.0%. Oil service and steel stocks also lagged, while healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotech sectors recorded gains.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Oil prices inched higher on Monday as markets awaited a critical meeting in Washington between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with traders evaluating potential impacts on global supply.

At 07:45 ET (11:45 GMT), Brent crude for October delivery rose 0.5% to $66.18 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.7% to $62.41 per barrel. Both contracts had dropped nearly 1.5% on Friday, finishing the week with sharp losses following the U.S.-Russia summit.

Focus on Washington

Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky later in the day, alongside several European leaders, as they work toward a potential peace agreement to end Europe’s deadliest war in eight decades. European officials aim to prevent any outcome that could compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

This follows a prior summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which failed to produce tangible results. Earlier, Trump stated that a ceasefire would be his “key demand,” even threatening to leave the talks and impose tougher measures on Moscow. The statement had fueled concerns about constrained supply.

“While talks failed to secure a ceasefire, the tone and the absence of ’severe consequences’ for the lack of a truce, reduce, or at least delay, the risks of stricter sanctions,” ING analysts noted in a report.

Meanwhile, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro warned Monday that India’s purchases of Russian crude were funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine and needed to stop.

“India acts as a global clearinghouse for Russian oil, converting embargoed crude into high-value exports while giving Moscow the dollars it needs,” Navarro said.

China and India remain the largest buyers of Russian crude. In response, Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, effective August 27, citing the country’s Russian oil imports.

“Ultimately, Russia still wants Ukraine to cede territory, something Ukraine will be very hesitant to do, particularly without very strong security guarantees from the US and Europe,” ING analysts added.

“Ultimately, the reduced risk of tougher sanctions and secondary tariffs should allow bearish oil fundamentals to become the dominant driver for oil prices moving forward,” they said.

Eyes on Jackson Hole

Outside geopolitical developments, investors are also watching for hints from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at this week’s Jackson Hole symposium, particularly regarding the pace of U.S. interest rate cuts.

Markets widely anticipate a 25-basis-point rate cut at the Fed’s September meeting, though last week’s hotter-than-expected producer price data has effectively ruled out a larger 50-point reduction. Lower interest rates typically stimulate economic activity, which in turn boosts energy demand.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

London’s stock market opened slightly higher on Monday, with investors focused on high-stakes discussions in Washington between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European leaders, and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump is set to host Zelensky along with key European officials to explore terms for a potential peace agreement, following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last Friday. Over the weekend, Trump suggested that Ukraine could quickly bring the conflict to an end by agreeing to Moscow’s demands.

By 07:27 GMT, the FTSE 100 had gained 0.1%, while the British pound remained largely stable against the U.S. dollar, maintaining levels above $1.35. Meanwhile, European markets were weaker, with Germany’s DAX down 0.5% and France’s CAC 40 falling 0.4%.

Tesla slashes UK leasing rates amid declining sales

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is reportedly offering up to 40% discounts to UK car leasing companies in an effort to counter slowing sales and address limited storage capacity, according to The Times. The price reductions are passed on to customers via lower monthly payment plans, industry sources said.

The electric vehicle giant is facing shrinking market share across global markets, prompting more aggressive pricing in the UK.

UK extends electric van and truck incentives

The UK government confirmed it will continue offering discounts for electric vans and trucks until at least 2027. Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, announced the extension of the program on Monday, supporting the transition to cleaner commercial vehicles.

UK housing market sees sharp summer price drop

The UK property market is experiencing notable declines, with Rightmove (LSE:RMV) reporting that average house prices have fallen nearly £11,000 compared with three months ago.

Although summer price adjustments are typical, June and July’s decreases were larger than usual, influenced in part by a stamp duty increase that had earlier driven strong demand. Lower asking prices and reduced borrowing costs contributed to July recording the highest number of property sales since 2020—an 8% rise from last year.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Gold prices edged higher on Monday, recovering from a more than two-week low amid lingering uncertainty over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

At 04:55 ET (08:55 GMT), spot gold was up 0.4% at $3,348.30 per ounce, while October gold futures rose 0.3% to $3,393.97 per ounce. The precious metal had fallen last week following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential peace deal in Ukraine.

Trump Meets Zelensky, European Leaders

Friday’s meeting between Trump and Putin failed to yield a ceasefire, shifting attention to a Monday gathering at the White House with Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and leading European officials.

Reports suggest Trump may press Ukraine to cede some territory to Russia to facilitate a peace deal—a stance Kiev has consistently rejected. Trump has also indicated that Ukraine would need to relinquish Crimea and pause NATO accession aspirations to reach an agreement with Russia.

Markets are approaching the meeting with caution, supporting demand for safe-haven assets like gold, even as broader risk appetite shows tentative improvement. A prior White House meeting between Trump and Zelensky in February ended without results following a tense exchange between the leaders.

UBS Raises Gold Forecasts

UBS has raised its long-term real gold price forecast from $2,200 to $2,800 per ounce, implying nominal prices around $3,100 by 2030, adjusted for inflation. Short- and medium-term projections remain unchanged, though the bank expects gold to reach new highs in upcoming quarters before moderating toward the end of next year or early 2027.

“Prices should ease thereafter, but the correction is unlikely to be steep enough to bring gold back to previous cycle lows,” said strategists led by Joni Teves. “Instead, we see a scenario where, after a period of moderation and stabilization, gold settles at significantly higher levels than in previous cycles.”

The revision reflects “structurally higher production costs” and limited expected growth in mining supply, as producers prioritize organic expansion, regional consolidation, and portfolio adjustments over large-scale mergers. UBS also highlighted gold’s “expanding investor base” and its strategic role amid global political and trade shifts, elevated macro risks, and persistent geopolitical tensions.

“In a world of shifting trade and political dynamics, high macroeconomic risks, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, diversification is more important than ever,” they added. “We think gold presents investors with one of the cleanest ways to hedge against these risks.”

All Eyes on Jackson Hole

Focus now turns to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole symposium, expected to provide guidance on the central bank’s rate strategy. CME FedWatch on Monday showed more than an 83% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut in September, slightly lower than near certainty seen last week.

Expectations for rate cuts were tempered by higher-than-expected producer inflation, raising concerns about the impact of Trump’s tariffs. Despite this, the U.S. dollar remained range-bound Monday after last week’s losses.

Mixed Moves in Other Metals

Other precious metals traded mixed, with platinum futures down 0.2% at $1,343.00 per ounce, while silver rose 0.4% to $38.133 per ounce.

Industrial metals saw declines as well, with London Metal Exchange copper futures falling 0.3% to $9,750.53 per ton and COMEX copper futures down 0.3% at $4.4790 per pound. Copper retreated late last week after weaker-than-expected Chinese industrial production and fixed-asset investment data, fueling concerns about demand in the world’s largest importer.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The U.S. dollar edged higher on Monday as markets braced for a week dominated by diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict and the Federal Reserve’s closely watched Jackson Hole symposium.

At 03:00 ET (08:00 GMT), the Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, rose 0.2% to 97.890, rebounding from a 0.4% decline last week.

Zelensky Travels to Washington

Following last week’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which failed to produce a ceasefire in Ukraine, attention now turns to Washington. There, Trump will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, joined by several European leaders. Zelensky may face pressure to accept a settlement that could favor Russia, including relinquishing part of the eastern Donetsk region.

Ukraine has previously dismissed any proposals to cede territory. Trump said on Sunday that Zelensky could end the war with Russia “almost immediately” by agreeing to Moscow’s demands.

“Ukraine and Europe have made security guarantees (including those from the U.S.) central to any path toward peace. Any further clarification of this situation today could be welcomed by markets, even though the issue of territory seems intractable,” noted analysts at ING.

Focus Shifts to Jackson Hole

Later in the week, markets will look to the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium, where Chairman Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak on the economic outlook and policy framework on Friday.

“It may be too early for Powell to all but confirm a Fed rate cut in September,” ING said. “Yet when the facts of a ’solid’ labor market change, Powell will have to acknowledge it.”

Markets currently price in roughly an 85% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut next month, meaning Powell would need to adopt a very hawkish stance to alter expectations significantly.

“With risk assets supported and energy prices soft, we expect the dollar to remain under mild pressure as dollar-based investors continue deploying capital,” ING added.

European Currencies Trade in Narrow Ranges

In Europe, EUR/USD fell 0.2% to 1.1671, trading in a narrow band ahead of the meeting of European leaders in Washington to discuss a peace deal for Ukraine. Key European data on Monday includes eurozone trade figures for June, with the week’s highlight being August flash PMIs on Thursday.

“EUR/USD should remain mildly supported in the 1.1650-1.1750 range early in the week but could test 1.1830 if Powell delivers a sufficiently dovish message on Friday,” ING analysts said.

GBP/USD slipped 0.1% to 1.3540 after rising roughly 0.8% last week.

“This reflects credible hawkish signals from the Bank of England, which now has the market pricing just 50 basis points of additional easing. By comparison, the Fed is expected to ease roughly 125 basis points through 2026,” ING added.

“This dynamic should keep GBP/USD supported this week, where a break above 1.3585/3600 could see levels reach 1.3680/3700 by week’s end.”

Quiet Trading in Asia

In Asia, USD/JPY inched higher to 147.22 after data on Friday showed stronger-than-expected Q2 growth in Japan. USD/CNY edged down to 7.1803, trading in a narrow range after July industrial production and retail sales fell short of expectations, prompting renewed calls for government stimulus. AUD/USD gained 0.1% to 0.6516.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Cranswick Plc (LSE:CWK) saw its stock drop over 2% on Monday following fresh allegations of animal mistreatment at one of its facilities.

The U.K.-based food producer described itself as “horrified” by undercover footage depicting pig abuse at its Somerby Top farm, noting that the recordings were made several months ago but only recently came to light.

Earlier in May, similar videos emerged from the company’s North Moor Farm site, which Cranswick said were also “historic.”

The company confirmed that staff implicated in the incidents have since departed and that management adjustments have been implemented at North Moor. In addition, the group has updated its euthanasia policies, banning the use of manual blunt force trauma—commonly referred to as “piglet thumping”—and has begun deploying AI-driven CCTV across its farms to monitor operations.

“While this news is clearly disappointing, CWK does not believe the footage is reflective of current farm standards, and has already taken meaningful steps to ensure this does not repeat,” noted analysts at Jefferies in a client briefing.

The brokerage added: “We note that both farms involved were acquired in 2023, and there have already been mgmt changes at the former.”

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is offering substantial discounts of up to 40% to UK car leasing companies in an effort to boost slowing sales, The Times reported Monday. The electric vehicle giant, led by Elon Musk, has been struggling with a shrinking global market share.

According to The Times, which cited industry insiders, the price reductions—reflected in lower monthly payments for customers—are also motivated by limited storage capacity for Tesla vehicles.

Under the new scheme, a Tesla Model 3, the company’s best-selling model, can now be leased for as little as £252 per month plus VAT on a 36-month contract. By comparison, monthly payments for the same car were as high as £600–£700 just a year ago.

Although Tesla has not cut the sticker prices of its vehicles, it is promoting zero-interest financing deals for buyers. In the UK, such deals could cost Tesla roughly £6,000 over three years on a £40,000 car.

The aggressive discounts come as Tesla navigates a prolonged slowdown in global sales. Much of the decline has occurred in the UK and Europe, where the company faces growing competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.

European sales have also been hit by public backlash against Musk’s political associations, particularly his links to the alt-right, with some Tesla facilities targeted and sales boycotts reported across the region throughout 2025.

In the UK, Tesla’s sales fell by 60% in July, while China’s BYD Co (USOTC:BYDDY) surpassed the automaker in market share.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

European equities were mostly lower on Monday as investors awaited a high-stakes meeting in Washington between European leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss Ukraine’s future.

By 07:10 GMT, Germany’s DAX index had fallen 0.3%, France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.2%, while the U.K.’s FTSE 100 edged up 0.1%.

European Leaders Travel to Washington

Following last Friday’s Alaska summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which ended without a ceasefire in Ukraine, attention now turns to a gathering in Washington. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders are expected to discuss potential pathways to a peace deal.

Reports indicate Zelensky may face pressure to accept a settlement that could involve Ukraine giving up portions of its eastern regions, including Donetsk and Luhansk, while Russia withdraws from southern areas such as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine has consistently rejected any proposal to cede territory.

Trump commented on Sunday that Zelensky could end the war with Russia “almost immediately” if he agreed to Moscow’s demands.

The conflict, which has lasted more than three years, has disrupted global supply chains, driven commodity prices higher, and slowed worldwide economic growth.

Jackson Hole Symposium in Focus

On the economic front, Europe will see June trade data released on Monday, while the U.S. market is looking ahead to the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will address the economic outlook and policy framework on Friday, joined by ECB President Christine Lagarde and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey in panel discussions.

Markets are currently pricing in about an 85% chance of a Fed rate cut in September, meaning any less dovish tone from Powell could weigh on investor sentiment.

U.S. Retail Earnings in Spotlight

Although European markets see little corporate earnings activity on Monday, attention will shift to the U.S. retail sector this week, with Home Depot (NYSE:HD), Target (NYSE:TGT), Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW), and Walmart (NYSE:WMT) all scheduled to report. Analysts point to a solid earnings season, with Goldman Sachs noting that S&P 500 EPS rose 11% year-on-year and 58% of companies boosted their full-year guidance.

Oil Prices Stabilize After Trump-Putin Meeting

Oil markets steadied Monday following last week’s declines, as concerns over Russian supply eased after the Trump-Putin summit. By 03:10 ET, Brent crude rose 0.1% to $65.87 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures climbed 0.2% to $62.09 per barrel. Both benchmarks had dropped nearly 1.5% on Friday, ending the week with notable losses ahead of the summit.

After meeting with Putin, Trump opted not to apply additional pressure on Russia to end the conflict through measures targeting its oil exports.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Oil prices remained steady in Asian markets on Monday following last week’s losses, as worries about Russian crude supply eased after the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As of 00:15 ET (04:15 GMT), Brent crude for October delivery was nearly flat at $65.84 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures inched up 0.1% to $62.87 per barrel. Both contracts had dropped around 1.5% on Friday, finishing the week with notable losses ahead of the U.S.-Russia summit.

Trump Signals Softer Stance Toward Russia

At last week’s Alaska summit, Trump indicated alignment with Moscow’s goal of a comprehensive peace agreement in Ukraine, rather than prioritizing a ceasefire first. This shift lowered expectations for new energy sanctions and reduced fears of tighter Russian oil flows.

Previously, Trump had called a ceasefire his “key demand,” even threatening to walk out of the talks and impose tougher measures on Moscow—a stance that had raised concerns over constrained supply.

“While talks failed to secure a ceasefire, the tone and the absence of ’severe consequences’ for the lack of a truce, reduce, or at least delay, the risks of stricter sanctions,” ING analysts noted in a statement.

Trump also said on Friday that he was in no hurry to levy tariffs on countries such as China for buying Russian oil but warned he could act within weeks if progress on ending the Ukraine conflict is not made. China and India remain Russia’s top crude buyers. Meanwhile, Trump has imposed an additional 25% duty on Indian goods, effective August 27, citing the country’s Russian oil imports.

Trump to Meet Zelenskiy and European Leaders

On Monday, Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and leading European leaders in Washington, aiming to fast-track a peace deal for Ukraine. European leaders are focused on blocking any agreements that could compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity, adding geopolitical uncertainty for markets.

Trump posted on social media Sunday that he expects “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA,” without elaborating further.

“Ultimately, Russia still wants Ukraine to cede territory, something Ukraine will be very hesitant to do, particularly without very strong security guarantees from the US and Europe,” ING analysts said.

“Ultimately, the reduced risk of tougher sanctions and secondary tariffs should allow bearish oil fundamentals to become the dominant driver for oil prices moving forward,” they added.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.