Midday Market Roundup for Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Good afternoon. Here are the top four global financial and economic topics shaping markets at midday, Wednesday, May 14, 2025:

1. Tech and IPOs Lead U.S. Market Gains

U.S. equities are on the rise at midday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq buoyed by robust performances in the tech sector and from newly public companies. Super Micro Computer has surged nearly 17% following a new $20 billion data center deal and the ongoing AI enthusiasm, especially after receiving an “outperform” rating from Raymond James. eToro, the trading platform, has leaped over 27% in its Nasdaq debut, trading well above its IPO price. Oklo, a nuclear energy startup, has also seen its shares rise more than 16% after reporting a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss. Nvidia and JD.com have posted notable midday gains, while Boeing has hit a new 52-week high after announcing a $96 billion aircraft deal with Qatar Airways. Exelixis has rallied 19% after beating earnings expectations and raising its full-year revenue forecast ([CNBC]1; [Investopedia]5).

2. Easing Trade Tensions and Recession Fears

European stocks were mostly lower but showed resilience as investors reacted to signs of thawing U.S.-China trade tensions and receding recession risks. Goldman Sachs has raised its growth forecasts for the U.S., Europe, and China, reducing the U.S. recession probability to 35% from 45%. While the global trade war is not officially over, ongoing negotiations suggest a likely outcome of an average of 15% tariffs on imports- less severe than feared during the election. The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates twice more this year as the jobs market weakens, though persistent pay growth may slow the pace of cuts. U.S. stock futures held steady after the S&P 500 erased its 2025 losses, buoyed by cooling inflation and a tech rally ([Morningstar]2; [Yahoo Finance]4).

3. Retail and Consumer Stocks in Focus

Retailers faced volatility as American Eagle Outfitters withdrew its 2025 financial outlook and announced a $75 million write-down on unsold spring and summer merchandise, sending its shares down more than 11%. The company expects a 3% decline in same-store sales for the quarter. Meanwhile, Sony’s U.S.-listed shares rose over 5% despite warning of a $700 million profit hit from tariffs, as it announced a share buyback and a spin-off of its financial division. Investors are closely watching upcoming U.S. retail sales data and Walmart’s earnings for further insight into consumer health, especially as many companies are withdrawing guidance due to tariff uncertainty ([Yahoo Finance]4; [Virginia Business]3).

4. Commodities and Global Markets React to Trade and Inflation

Oil prices retreated from recent highs, with U.S. crude falling to $62.90 per barrel and Brent crude to $65.88, despite ongoing U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil shipments to China. Gold prices dropped to their lowest over a month as easing trade tensions reduced demand for safe-haven assets. Asian markets rallied on expectations of a surge in Chinese export orders during the 90-day U.S.-China tariff grace period. Kong’s Hang Seng rose 2.3%, and the Shanghai Composite gained 0.9%. The dollar continued to weaken against the yen and euro after softer U.S. inflation data, while Treasury yields edged lower as investors assessed the outlook for Federal Reserve rate cuts ([Morningstar]2; [Virginia Business]3; [Investopedia]5).

Sources

1. CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/14/stocks-making-the-biggest-moves-midday-oklo-etor-smci-nvda-jd.html
2. Morningstar: https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202505143103/european-midday-briefing-stocks-mostly-lower-on-thawing-trade-tensions
3. Virginia Business: https://virginiabusiness.com/wall-street-wobbles-ahead-of-new-retail-sales-data-and-public-appearances-by-fed-officials/
4. Yahoo Finance: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-futures-muted-after-sp-500-recovers-all-2025-losses-233114141.html
5. Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/top-stock-movers-now-super-micro-computer-amd-newmont-and-more-11734632

Disclosure:
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. The content is not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Readers should consult with qualified financial, legal, and tax advisors before making any investment decisions.

The views and opinions expressed are based on sources believed to be reliable, but their accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections, which may change without notice.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The strategies or investments discussed may not be suitable for all investors.

‍