- Bitcoin falls to $102,500 amid fading demand for hedging assets.
- Nasdaq leads major indices at 19,146.81 on strong tech momentum.
- Gold slips to $3,126.51 as geopolitical tensions ease.
- Brent and WTI crude trade at $64.16 and $61.68, respectively.
On May 15, macroeconomic developments, including eased US-China trade tensions, reduced geopolitical risks, and softer-than-expected US inflation, drove a mixed global market response.
Tech stocks led modest equity gains, while safe-haven assets like gold and Bitcoin (BTC) declined amid shifting investor sentiment.
Global Indices Respond to Geopolitical Developments and Inflation Trends
The Nasdaq Composite posted the strongest gains, lifted by resilient tech stocks. Other global indices reflected guarded optimism amid improving macro signals.
- S&P 500: 5,892.58 (+0.10%)
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: 42,051.06 (-0.21%)
- Nasdaq Composite: 19,146.81 (+0.71%)
- FTSE 100: 8,604.98 (+0.02%)
- Nikkei 225: 37,762.77 (-0.94%)
- Euronext 100: 1,589.83 (0.00%)
Cryptocurrency Market: Bitcoin Leads Broad Crypto Pullback
As global tensions eased, investor demand for non-traditional hedges like cryptocurrencies declined. Bitcoin slipped to $102,750, while Ethereum and key altcoins also retreated.
- Bitcoin (BTC): $102,500.00 (-1.09%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $2,603.72 (-0.74%)
- Solana (SOL): $173.93 (-4.37%)
- Cardano (ADA): $0.7847 (-5.43%)
- XRP (XRP): $2.52 (-3.28%)
Individual Stocks: Tech Remains the Standout Performer
Technology stocks led US markets, continuing to benefit from strong earnings and macro tailwinds.
- Apple (AAPL): $211.93 (+0.89%)
- Microsoft (MSFT): $447.14 (+0.45%)
- Tesla (TSLA): $347.07 (+4.07%)
- Meta Platforms (META): $659.03 (+0.51%)
- Amazon (AMZN): $210.07 (-0.53%)
Commodities: Gold, Oil Fall on Stabilizing Global Outlook
Gold prices declined to $3,155.51, reflecting decreased demand for hedging assets. Oil also dropped slightly on expectations of increased supply and calm geopolitical developments.
- Gold: $3,130.51 (-1.54%)
- Brent Crude: $63.16 (-2.56%)
- WTI Crude: $61.68 (-2.51%)
- Natural Gas: $3.17 (+0.57%)
Market Wrap-up
Market positioning reflects growing confidence that geopolitical and inflationary pressures are easing.
Investors are selectively embracing risk, favoring tech-led equities while stepping back from traditional safe havens. Gains in equity indices, especially the Nasdaq, contrast with declines in gold and crypto, highlighting a cautious rotation into growth assets amid a stabilizing global backdrop.
Read more: XRP Futures to List on CME Group from May 19, Market Sentiment Remains Optimistic
