Risk appetite improved as investors rotated back into growth-sensitive assets, supported by stronger corporate earnings momentum and easing geopolitical fears. Markets showed renewed confidence, but caution remained as traders continued to assess policy signals, inflation risks, and whether the rebound could sustain beyond the immediate relief rally.
Today’s Snapshot
- KOSPI: 7,800.50 (+8.21%)
- Nasdaq Composite: 26,270.36 (+1.54%)
- S&P 500: 7,432.97 (+1.08%)
- Gold: $4,531.33 (-0.27%)
- Silver: $75.4445 (-0.54%)
- Brent Crude: $105.92/bbl (+0.42%)
Note: Data and market levels are as of 06:30 UTC, May 21, 2026, subject to live market fluctuations.
Global Markets
(A) Precious Metals
Gold: $4,531.33/oz (-0.27%)
Gold edged lower by 0.27% as higher U.S. Treasury yields and Fed rate-hike expectations reduced demand for the non-yielding metal. Losses were limited as traders watched U.S.-Iran peace talks and oil-linked inflation risks.
Silver: $75.4445 (-0.54%)
Silver fell 0.54% as higher yields, a firm dollar, and profit-taking pressured precious metals. The move also reflected weaker short-term sentiment across the metals complex.
(B) Energy
Brent Crude: $106.04/bbl (+0.53%)
Brent crude rose 0.42% as uncertainty around a possible U.S.-Iran peace deal kept supply-risk premium in the market. Oil also found support from larger-than-expected U.S. inventory drawdowns, while Trump said talks were nearing completion but warned of possible action if Iran did not comply.
(C) FX
Dollar Index: 99.19 (+0.05%)
The U.S. Dollar Index held slightly higher by 0.05% around 99.19, but the broader dollar rally paused after touching a six-week high. The dollar eased from Wednesday’s peak of 99.472 to around 99.161 as U.S.-Iran deal hopes reduced safe-haven demand.
USD/JPY: 158.99 (0.00%)
USD/JPY held steady near 158.99, staying close to Japan’s watched intervention zone. The yen found some support after hawkish comments from Bank of Japan board member Junko Koeda, but the wide U.S.-Japan yield gap continued to limit yen strength.
GBP/USD: 1.3432 (0.00%)
GBP/USD held steady near 1.3432 as the dollar rally paused but sterling lacked a strong fresh catalyst. Broader G10 currency sentiment improved slightly as Iran peace-deal optimism reduced demand for the dollar as a safe-haven currency.
Economic Calendar Today: Key U.S. Market Events
| Country | Release | Forecast | Previous | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (May) | 17.6 | 26.7 | 17:30 |
| US | Initial Jobless Claims | 210K | 211K | 17:30 |
| US | Building Permits (Apr) | 1.380M | 1.363M | 17:30 |
| US | Housing Starts (Apr) | 1.420M | 1.502M | 17:30 |
| US | Continuing Jobless Claims | 1,790K | 1,782K | 17:30 |
| US | S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (May) | 53.8 | 54.5 | 18:45 |
| US | S&P Global Services PMI (May) | 51.1 | 51.0 | 18:45 |
| US | S&P Global Composite PMI (May) | - | 51.7 | 18:45 |
| US | Atlanta Fed GDPNow (Q2) | 4.0% | 4.0% | 19:30 |
| US | Natural Gas Storage | 96B | 85B | 19:30 |
| US | KC Fed Manufacturing Index (May) | - | 10 | 20:00 |
| US | KC Fed Composite Index (May) | - | 10 | 20:00 |
| US | FOMC Member Barkin Speaks | - | - | 22:00 |
Note: This update highlights selected economic calendar events for informational purposes only. Please do your own research before making any trading decisions.
Volatility
VIX closed around 17.44, indicating calm market conditions.
What Traders Are Watching
- Nvidia and AI momentum - Traders are watching whether Nvidia’s strong outlook can keep the AI-led equity rally intact after a sharp rebound in chip-related stocks.
- Iran talks and oil supply risk - Markets remain focused on whether peace-deal optimism can reduce oil-risk premium or whether renewed escalation keeps Brent supported.
- U.S. data and Fed expectations - Jobless claims, PMI data, housing numbers, and Fed commentary could shape expectations for rates, yields, and dollar direction.
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
Yesterday’s Market News - May 20, 2026
Markets stayed cautious as higher U.S. yields, Iran-related oil risks, and weak equity sentiment weighed on investors. KOSPI and Wall Street declined, while commodities were mixed as gold slipped, silver gained, and Brent stayed above $110. In FX, dollar strength pressured major currencies.
Read full recap →Sources
- Reuters - Global Markets - Morning Bid: Samsung Electronics’ wage drama not over yet
- Reuters - World at Work - Samsung shares soar as strike averted, but bonuses of $416,000 for some stoke concern
- Reuters - Energy - Oil rebounds on Iran peace deal uncertainty and inventory drawdowns
- Reuters - Currencies - Dollar rally pauses on Iran deal optimism, Aussie slides
- Investing.com - Economic Calendar - U.S. jobless claims, PMI, housing, GDPNow and Fed speaker events
Disclaimer
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial guidance, or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments. Market data and figures are subject to change without notice. Data has been taken from sources we believe to be reliable; however, please conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Trading leveraged or complex products carries significant risk; please ensure you understand the risks before trading.
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