Prysmian outlook raised as US-China talks lift tech and energy markets - 14 May 2026

As of May 14, today's news is dominated by U.S.-China trade talks and ongoing challenges posed by the war in Iran and its impact on global energy markets. Rating agency S&P Global Ratings has revised Prysmian's outlook to positive, affirming its 'BBB-' ratings. Turning to broader energy market developments, the United States is grappling with escalating gas prices as the war with Iran persists. President Donald Trump has proposed suspending the federal gas tax, potentially providing a temporary reduction of 18 cents per gallon from the current average of over 4.50 dollars. This move comes amid reports showing a surge in consumer sentiment challenging the administration's economic approval, which has recently declined amid rising prices. Increased operational costs and consumer inflation, which hit 3.8% in April - the highest in nearly three years - are contributing to a politically sensitive environment as midterm elections approach. In parallel, the UK's National Grid reported a miss in annual profit expectations primarily due to storm-related repair costs in its U.S. operations, reaffirming its outlook amid limited geopolitical risk impact, particularly from the Middle East. Market sentiment saw an uptick as futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached new highs, driven by a notable increase in Nvidia's stock after the U.S. permitted certain sales of AI chips to Chinese firms. This has occurred against a backdrop of U.S.-China trade talks focusing on economic cooperation, even as tensions over Taiwan have been highlighted by President Xi Jinping. On the global front, new tensions emerged near the Strait of Hormuz, where attacks on vessels signal continuing instability linked to the Iran conflict. Despite diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and China, including discussions around energy security, the situation remains precarious, impacting global supply lines. In addition, China's Ming Yang Smart Energy seeks to establish a manufacturing presence in Europe following regulatory setbacks in the UK, reflecting ongoing challenges and opportunities for Asian renewable manufacturers in Western markets amidst security concerns.