Trade Secrets

In light of recent developments most notably the passage of the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" alongside persistent fiscal imbalances, eroding monetary credibility, and political dysfunction, questions arise about how long the U.S. can maintain its top credit standing.

US stock futures fell Sunday as President Trump and top administration officials suggested country-specific tariffs would take effect on Aug. 1, offering more potential confusion to trading partners but also potential breathing room for negotiations.

President Trump said on Thursday that Washington will begin issuing formal letters to major economies outlining new U.S. export tariff rates as early as Friday.

The June jobs report, set for release Thursday, is expected to end the holiday-shortened week with a bang. Any labor market weakness will be closely watched as it could strengthen the case for an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve sooner rather than later.

Trump's pause on his "reciprocal" tariffs is set to expire on July 9, and the president has said he isn't considering an extension. The administration is now reportedly trying to close smaller trade deals before the deadline, after which the president has said he will send letters

Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.2% to 40,003.24 despite positive results of the central bank's quarterly Tankan survey of large manufacturers, which showed an better than expected improvement in business sentiment. President Trump sharply criticised ongoing trade negotiations with Japan on Monday

US stock futures edged higher Sunday evening, setting up the major indexes for more records to end one of the most volatile first halves of a year in recent memory.

US stocks rose on Friday, on track for fresh record highs as optimism over trade talks and bets on Fed rate cuts boosted spirits. The S&P 500 added 0.6% and was on pace to close at its first record high since February. The benchmark index touched a new record intraday high just after the open.

U.S. gross domestic product shrank by an annualized 0.5% in the first quarter, according to a final revision of the data on Thursday which confirmed the first contraction since 2022 and suggested possible headwinds from sweeping U.S. tariffs.

U.S. stock futures are subdued, with markets weighing hopes for a sustained ceasefire between Israel and Iran as well as fresh interest rate comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.