US stock market today (May 20, 2026): S&P 500 nears record high, easing Treasury yields lift sentiment - The Times of India

• JPMorgan Chase has opened a new $3 billion global headquarters in New York City, signaling a long-term commitment despite local economic concerns. • New York City's financial sector lost 8,400 jobs between January and August 2024, with Texas now surpassing the city in total financial workforce size.

• The FTSE 100 is trading higher as investors monitor critical economic indicators, including US Consumer Price Index (CPI) and labor-market data. • Market attention is shifting toward the Bank of England's upcoming policy meeting next week to determine potential interest rate movements.

• Investors in Asian markets are largely excluded from participating in SpaceX's initial public offering, which is described as the largest-ever IPO. • With a global valuation of approximately $75 billion, the high demand for the stock has forced locked-out investors to seek creative alternative methods to bet on the company.

• The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised interest rates by 0.25%, marking the first increase in three years. • President Christine Lagarde defended the decision, citing inflation pressures driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

• The European Union is launching a series of ambitious reforms designed to revitalize its economy and strengthen its global influence. • The strategy focuses on the strategic expansion of key sectors, specifically targeting tech giants, major banks, and the defense industry.

• UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently facing significant economic strain due to tax pressures, new reporting regulations, and rising property insolvency risks. • Global markets remain volatile, driven by the ongoing Iran war and concerns over household debt and hiring weaknesses within the UK.

• Markets anticipate that the European Central Bank (ECB) will implement a 25-basis-point interest rate hike, marking the first increase since 2023. • The ECB Council is expected to avoid providing explicit forward guidance on future rate paths, opting instead for a flexible approach.

• European shares are expected to open lower on Thursday, June 5, 2026, driven by escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and investor anxiety over potential interest-rate hikes. • Technology stocks are likely to be a primary focus following Oracle's report of quarterly capital expenditure that surpassed market estimates.

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India is the fastest-growing major economy, with GDP growth projected to remain robust at 7%. • This economic growth is being driven primarily by strong domestic demand and ongoing structural reforms.

• Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,572.32 points on June 11, 2026, marking an increase of 8.73 points or 0.56%. • The market saw a total trading value of THB 52.25 billion during the session.

• Former President Donald Trump expressed a surprising positive sentiment toward rising costs, stating "I love the inflation" in response to a new report showing a spike in inflation. • The comments were made in Washington, contrasting with typical political rhetoric that criticizes inflation for increasing the cost of living for citizens.

• Panelists on "The Big Money Show" and "The Claman Countdown" analyzed the intersection of rising oil prices, strong U.S. economic earnings, and geopolitical tensions. • Discussions focused on the impact of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for a ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran.