Key Stories from the past week: Trump trade talks & UnitedHealth plunge

Broader market sentiment eased early last week as US/China talks seemed to show progress. Shipping shares received a jolt & softening geopolitical tensions reduced support for haven assets, while equity benchmarks advanced in a risk-on move that has S&P 500 eyeing the $6000-level again. A USDJPY reversal amplified throughout the week, the UnitedHealth share-plunge continued, and President Trump made headlines securing deals in Middle east. Read more below:

The Art of the Deal – Trump in Middle East
This week, Trump’s Middle East tour unlocked over $2.8 trillion in deals across; aviation, AI, defense and energy, boosting equities in those sectors. However, geopolitical volatility remains an investment risk. Oil prices also moved lower on talks of a nuclear deal with Iran.
Trump's Middle East dealmaking blitz: What does it mean for investors?

Trade Truce Boosts Markets
On Monday, US/China trade talks led to a significant 90-day reduction in bilateral tariffs. Markets cheered the headlines boosting equity benchmarks. The USD caught a bid until traders questioned peak pricing. Despite the risk-on shift in sentiment, markets stay cautious as the political situation remains fragile and the tariff-effect on the economy is yet to be felt.
US-China trade truce only emphasizes timeless investing truths

UnitedHealth in freefall
Shares of UnitedHealth plunged to a 5 year low as multiple adverse headlines hit the company throughout the week. There was a surprise resignation of the CEO while the firm also suspended 2025 guidance. This was then followed by news of a US justice department investigation into criminal Medicare fraud.
How a healthcare titan lost 54% in weeks

Yen rally catching momentum
USDJPY has been reversing lower this week, moving from 148.65 high to currently around 145.53 level. The move could have been amplified by recent waning of USD strength after a longer period, despite simultaneously reaching multi-month highs in long US treasury yields. John Hardy looks at the recent moves & outlines the technical picture, read more below:
USDJPY reversal a green light for USD bears?

Next week’s economic data releases includes China Apr Industrial Production, EU Apr CPI (Mon), RBA Rate decision (Tues), UK Apr CPI (Wed), EU May preliminary PMIs, US May preliminary S&P Global PMIs (Thurs), German Apr GDP (Fri). Earnings highlights are Home Depot, Palo Alto Networks, Vodafone Group (Tuesday). TJX Companies, Lowe’s, Snowflake, Baidu, XPeng (Wednesday). Intuit (Thursday). A Moody’s “one-notch” downgrade of the US sovereign credit rating on Friday also made a lot of headlines which may carry into the new week.