finance‑market update:
📈 U.S. Markets
Equity futures turned positive as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq continue riding record‑highs to close out the first half of 2025 on a strong note .
June dynamics: The Dow jumped ~3.8%, S&P 500 gained ~3.4%, and Nasdaq rose ~4.2% last week—boosted by optimism over trade deals and hopes of upcoming rate cuts .
Trade and macro headlines: Progress in U.S.–Canada trade talks (including Canada withdrawing its digital services tax) helped fuel sentiment, while eyes are on upcoming July jobs data and an Independence Day-shortened trading week .
Global Markets & Commodities
Asia: Regional stocks advanced, mirroring improvements in U.S. trade prospects; the dollar eased and gold dipped on slowing momentum .
Europe/UK: The UK’s Q1 growth at 0.7% and early signs of mortgage market recovery—with the pound strengthening—helped the FTSE 100 edge up modestly .
Commodity moves: Oil stands steady (after earlier volatility tied to Middle East tensions), while gold saw slight pullbacks .
What’s Ahead
U.S. jobs report release will guide investor expectations on the Fed’s potential rate cut in July .
Trade updates: Continued progress is expected, but a new round of U.S. tariffs is due July 9 if talks stall—a factor to watch .
Holiday seasonality: Markets will close early Thursday and remain shut Friday for Independence Day, which could dampen volume and amplify price swings .
Bottom Line
U.S. and global equity markets are riding a wave of optimism—buoyed by trade progress, record-breaking equity gains, and expectations of Fed rate cuts. Still, risks remain from macro headwinds like hard-to-read jobs data, potential renewed tariffs, and thin holiday liquidity.
