Financial Market Preview - Tuesday 5-May

US equity futures are firmer with S&P up. Bonds mostly firmer. US 10-year steady at 4%. Bund down 2 bps. In contrast, Gilt yields 8bps higher. Dollar is mostly higher, with biggest move versus Aussie. Crude is pulling back after rallying on Monday on hawkish Middle East developments. Gold is firmer. Industrial metals are higher. Bitcoin is firmer. Focus remains on developments in Middle East. Downbeat risk sentiment amid flare-up in Middle East tensions after US and Iran traded fire in Strait of Hormuz as US-launched "Project Freedom" to aid shipping through the waterway. UAE's Fujairah port and oil tankers were also hit, contributing to surge in crude oil. Developments underlined fragility of ceasefire with two sides still no closer to an agreement to end hostilities. Companies Mentioned: Lattice Semiconductor, National Health Investors, Fidelity National Information Services