disney Defies Downturn with Strong Quarterly Results

Amidst a backdrop of market uncertainty, Disney reported unexpectedly positive quarterly figures, sending its stock soaring by 10.7% on Wednesday. This performance stands in stark contrast to the struggles faced by other tech companies, highlighting the resilience of the entertainment giant.

Semiconductor Sector Stumbles: Marvell’s Investor Day Postponement Sparks Concern

Shares of Marvell Technology experienced a critically important downturn on Wednesday, triggered by the company’s decision to postpone its investor day, initially slated for June, to an unspecified date in 2026. This delay has fueled speculation and unease among investors, notably given Marvell’s previous comparisons to AI powerhouse Nvidia.

The postponement acted as a catalyst for a further decline in Marvell’s stock price, which had already plummeted by over 45% in the preceding year. The stock ultimately closed down 8% on Wednesday, reflecting the market’s negative reaction to the news.

Federal Reserve Holds Steady: Interest Rates Remain Unchanged

In a widely anticipated move, the US Federal Reserve announced that it would maintain the current interest rate within the 4.25-4.50% range. This decision comes amidst ongoing debate about the appropriate course of action to balance economic growth and inflation control.

Former President Trump has repeatedly urged the Fed to lower interest rates,but current indications suggest that Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is unlikely to yield to political pressure.Handelsbanken suggests Powell is expected to maintain a firm stance at the press conference, as inflation pressures remain a concern, despite recent improvements in inflation data. They also forecast that new customs measures could push the core PCE to 3.5-4.0 percent by year’s end.

“Fed boss Jerome Powell is expected to appear something ‘Haukete’ at the press conference, as the inflation pressure is still considered too high, despite the dampened inflation figures for March. According to internal forecasts in the Fed,the new customs measures can help lift the core pCE to 3.5-4.0 percent by the end of the year.”

Handelsbanken

US and China Resume High-Level Talks: Seeking Common Ground Amidst Trade Tensions

In a significant growth, the United States and China have agreed to hold ministerial-level talks for the first time since Donald Trump’s departure from office. US Finance Minister Scott Bessent will travel to Switzerland to meet with China’s Deputy Prime Minister He Lifeng, signaling a potential thaw in the strained relationship between the two economic superpowers.

while Bessent has emphasized that the US seeks fair trade rather than containment of China, China has called for the removal of what it deems arbitrary criminal collections.DNB Markets highlights the importance of mutual respect in these negotiations, noting that both parties must act consistently with their words.

“Bessent emphasizes that the United States ‘does not want to relax China, but has fair trade’. China, for its part, asks the United States to remove the arbitrary criminal collection, and emphasizes that negotiations can only happen if there is mutual respect – where the parties do not say one thing and then do the opposite.”

DNB Markets