ChartAddicts Morning Report – May 15, 2025

ChartAddicts
May 14
2 min read

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Stay informed. Trade with clarity.

Market Recap – May 14 Close

U.S. markets closed mixed ahead of a critical day for economic data and Fed commentary. Tech stocks continued to lead gains, while investors await key inflation prints this morning.

S&P 500: +0.10% — Closed at 587.59
Nasdaq-100: +0.58% — Closed at 518.68
Dow Jones: -0.22% — Closed at 420.55

Leaders: Nvidia and Tesla surged on sector strength.Laggards: Industrials and small caps underperformed slightly.

What to Watch – Thursday, May 15

Today brings a wave of high-impact economic data that could shake markets:

8:30 AM ET – U.S. Economic Data Flood

Initial Jobless Claims: Forecast 229K vs. previous 228K
PPI (MoM): Forecast 0.2%
Core PPI (ex Food & Energy): Forecast 0.3%
PPI (YoY): Forecast 2.5%
Core PPI (YoY): Forecast 3.1%
Retail Sales (MoM): Forecast 0.0%
Core Retail Sales (ex Autos): Forecast 0.3%

8:40 AM ET – Fed Chair Powell SpeaksMarkets will hang on every word for clues on inflation trajectory and rate policy.

Later Today:

1:15 PM ET – U.S. Industrial Production (Apr)
6:05 PM ET – Fed Governor Barr speech

These events will set the tone for the remainder of the week.

Geopolitical Developments Impacting U.S. Markets

U.S. – Middle East Realignment

1. Trump-Saudi Economic Pact - President Trump secured a $600B investment agreement with Saudi Arabia covering defense, AI, and infrastructure. This move is expected to strengthen defense stocks and long-term U.S. capital markets exposure to sovereign wealth.

2. Qatar Trade Deals - New economic deals with Qatar reached $1.2T in value, including a $96B Boeing aircraft order — potentially bullish for aerospace and industrial sectors.

3. Sanctions Lifted on Syria - In a major diplomatic pivot, the U.S. formally ended all sanctions on Syria. Markets are monitoring potential energy and reconstruction opportunities.

4. Iran Tensions Resurface - Despite engagement talks, President Trump reaffirmed sanctions targeting Iranian military and nuclear affiliates. Oil markets are reacting cautiously.

Commodities Snapshot

Crude Oil (WTI): Down over 1%A surprise U.S. inventory build (+3.45M barrels vs. -1M forecast) and Iran deal speculation dragged prices lower.
Gold: Holding steady near $2,160 as markets await inflation data.

Analyst Focus Points

“Is U.S. inflation about to turn?”PPI and retail sales will help determine whether disinflation is stalling.
“Will Powell lean hawkish?”After Waller’s balanced tone, today’s speech may shift market expectations for summer rate moves.
“Tech breakout or trap?”With Nasdaq nearing 2024 highs, traders debate sustainability.

⚠️ Risk Reminder: Markets are reacting quickly to macro data and geopolitical headlines. Stay nimble, manage risk, and avoid overexposure ahead of the weekend.