Pre-Market Report – Wednesday 21 May: US markets slip slightly | Gold bounces 1.8%

Wall Street recorded a negative session as markets contemplated US fiscal concerns while Congress debated a bill for tax cut. Ended a streak of six consecutive gains for the S&P 500. S&P 500 down 0.39%, NASDAQ down 0.38%. Dow down 115 points. Dropped at open and maintained level for most of session. Ended mid range. Mostly negative sector performance. Energy once again worst sector. Long-term global growth concerns. Growth sectors performed poorly. Tech down. Alphabet down 1.5% despite pushing AI at its Input/Output annual conference. Cyclicals also down. Tesla (+0.5%) rare positive as Musk stated its ready to trial robotaxi in Austin this June. Financials also eased as growth and fiscal concerns came into spotlight. JP Morgan (+0.3%) exception as shareholders approved executive pay packages and appointment of new directors. Utilities and Healthcare only two sectors up. Utilities benefitted from shift into defensives. Healthcare regained some of recent losses after Trump stated tariffs on sector on the way – no update as of yet. Home Depot down 0.6% despite beating estimates. Stated it would swallow tariffs rather than pass on to consumers. Resources up. Weaker dollar a boost. Aluminium, zinc, lead all up over 1%.  ASX to rise. SPI futures up 48 points (+0.62%).Want to invest with Marcus Today? The Managed Strategy Portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you. If you’re looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.  Why not sign up for a free trial? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor.