FactSet

US equities were higher in Thursday trading. Oil was a tailwind (though ended the day off its lows) despite mixed takeaways from the latest Middle East updates. Other areas of focus included positive AI updates, largely upbeat sell-side conference takeaways, and next week's Trump-Xi summit.

US equity futures are firmer, while Asian markets are mixed and European equities are higher. Markets are finding support from stabilizing bond yields and lower oil prices following the Fed’s expected rate hike. Chair Warsh maintained a hawkish tone, emphasizing the fight against inflation, while the move has increased attention on other central banks, with the BoE expected to hold rates today but signal a more hawkish stance. Meanwhile, concerns around Middle East oil supply have eased somewhat as Saudi Arabia increases crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz and works to restore capacity on its East-West pipeline. Press also highlighted Houthi assurances of freedom of navigation in Red Sea to non-Saudi ships, and Trump planning post-war talks with Gulf leaders next week. Companies Mentioned: Exxonmobil Holdings, GFL Environmental, EVA Airways