Global stock markets experienced a mixed day on May 15, 2025, as investors grappled with concerns surrounding rising U.S. debt and eagerly awaited key economic data releases. The increase in U.S. debt has led to a climb in Treasury yields, adding pressure to the market. Market participants are closely monitoring U.S. retail sales figures and Walmart's earnings report for further insights into the economic landscape.
U.S. retail sales data for April showed a 1.5% increase, exceeding expectations. Walmart released its fiscal first-quarter earnings, reporting adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.61 on revenue of $165.61 billion. These figures surpassed analysts' estimates of $0.58 EPS and $165.99 billion in revenue.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak at the Thomas Laubach Research Conference in Washington, D.C. on May 15, 2025. Investors are keen to glean insights into the Federal Reserve's future interest rate strategy from Powell's address. Geopolitical factors, including ongoing US-Iran nuclear talks and trade negotiations between the US and South Korea, continue to contribute to market uncertainty. Meanwhile, strong employment data from Australia has buoyed its currency, highlighting the interconnectedness of the global economy.