Global Markets
Canadian Markets
Canada’s main stock index declined .75 percent as investors weighed signs of a slowing domestic economy alongside a more cautious global monetary policy backdrop. Sentiment was pressured by comments from RBC’s chief economist, who described the Canadian economy as largely stagnant, raising concerns about weaker growth prospects. Energy stocks led the decline as crude oil volatility and uncertainty around global demand weighed on the sector, as geo-political concerns fade.
American Markets
US stocks also moved lower after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at 3.50%-3.75% but struck a less accommodative tone. Policymakers signaled that inflation risks remain elevated, leaving the door open for future rate increases if price pressures persist. Higher-for-longer rate expectations dampened risk appetite across much of the market.
However, semiconductor stocks provided an important source of support, rebounding strongly after recent weakness. Continued enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence spending, cloud infrastructure investment, and next-generation computing helped chipmakers outperform the broader market and limit losses in major indexes.
European Markets
European markets delivered a mixed performance as investors assessed diverging economic signals across the region. In France, growth forecasts for 2026 were reduced to 0.7% amid concerns that higher energy costs could erode consumer spending and slow economic activity. Germany’s industrial outlook also remained challenging, with automotive suppliers reporting growing pessimism about future business conditions. Surveys indicated weakening domestic hiring intentions and continued investment migration abroad, highlighting structural pressures facing one of Europe’s most important manufacturing sectors.
UK stocks outperformed their continental peers as economic data pointed to improving domestic conditions. House prices rose 3.8% year-over-year in April after showing little growth in March, suggesting a stabilization in the housing market. Inflation remained steady at 2.8% in May, below economist expectations and comfortably off recent highs. The data strengthened hopes that the Bank of England may eventually gain greater flexibility to ease policy, providing support for consumer confidence and the broader equity market.
Corporate Stock News
Alphabet Inc (GOOGL) — UK regulators ordered Google to improve transparency in search ranking and enable data portability; separately, HSBC announced a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud to expand AI capabilities in banking.
Amazon.com Inc (AMZN) — Faces potential FTC enforcement action over alleged misleading advertising practices, including concerns around ad auction transparency and “reserve pricing,” with a possible lawsuit or settlement expected this summer.
AT&T Inc (T) — CFO Pascal Desroches to retire at end-2026, with Jennifer Biry named successor; transition aligns with ongoing cost discipline and 5G/fiber investment strategy.
Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) — Signed preliminary LNG supply deal for South Africa’s first import terminal, supporting long-term LNG expansion plans targeting over 40 million metric tons annually by 2030.
General Motors Co (GM) — Partnering with Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT) to strengthen U.S. defense manufacturing, focusing on production capacity, supply chains, and advanced manufacturing efficiency.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS) — Reports record M&A activity, exceeding $1 trillion in deals year-to-date in 2026, driven by AI-led consolidation and strong trading volumes.
Groupe Dynamite Inc (GRGD:CA) — National Bank of Canada cut price target to C$91 from C$102 due to slowing same-store sales and weaker revenue outlook.
Guardant Health Inc (GH) — Jefferies raised price target to $150 from $130, citing stronger long-term revenue growth and margin expansion outlook.
Intel Corp (INTC) — 18A-P chip manufacturing process entered risk production, signaling progress in next-generation semiconductor performance and efficiency improvements.
Kimberly-Clark Corp (KMB) — Piper Sandler raised price target to $121 from $115 on improved cost structure and margin expansion expectations.
Landstar System Inc (LSTR) — Baird raised price target to $225 from $195 on stronger long-term earnings outlook.
Oracle Corp (ORCL) — Denied reports of failed Microsoft cloud leasing talks, disputing claims related to security compliance and deal collapse.
Peabody Energy Corp (BTU) — Locked out workers at its New South Wales facility amid ongoing industrial action over wage negotiations.
Ryder System Inc (R) — Baird raised price target to $290 from $253 on improving industry fundamentals and stronger earnings outlook.
Valmont Industries Inc (VMI) — JPMorgan raised price target to $600 from $520 on strong long-term growth expectations driven by utility demand and margin expansion.
STA Research (StockTargetAdvisor.com) is a independent Investment Research company that specializes in stock forecasting and analysis with integrated AI, based on our platform stocktargetadvisor.com, EST 2007.
