AI Stock Market News Today

The Eurozone economy grew by just 0.1% in the first quarter as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drive up consumer prices. Markets now eye the European Central Bank's upcoming policy meeting to see if rates will remain steady despite rising inflation.

• Q1 GDP growth stalled at 0.1%
• Inflation accelerated to 3% in April

Morgan Stanley has adjusted its expectations for Federal Reserve monetary easing, citing 'sticky' core inflation. The bank suggests that rate cuts are unlikely until geopolitical tensions in the Middle East subside.

• Morgan Stanley revised its forecast for Fed rate cuts
• Core inflation remains too high to justify immediate easing

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is reviewing its military presence in Germany. The move comes amid escalating diplomatic friction between Washington and Berlin regarding the conflict in Iran.

• Review of U.S. military presence in Germany
• Diplomatic tension over Iran conflict

Electronic trading platform Tradeweb reports that April is on track to be one of its top five revenue months. The company simultaneously provided updated guidance on its 2026 cost structure.

• April revenue performance trending toward a top 5 historical month
• 2026 adjusted expenses projected in the upper half of $1.1B-$1.16B

US stock futures declined Thursday following reports of potential military action against Iran. Brent crude prices surged to a four-year peak as diplomatic efforts stalled.

• Brent crude reaches 4-year high
• US weighing military options against Iran

Democratic senators are calling for strict new rules to prevent insider trading and gambling in event-based prediction markets. The push targets platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, specifically regarding bets on elections and military conflicts.

• Lawmakers seek ban on event contracts for elections, war, and sports
• Recent insider trading allegations involving a US soldier and political candidates

Startup XO Market aims to disrupt the prediction market landscape by allowing users to create their own trading events. The company has secured $6 million in seed funding to scale its decentralized approach to event forecasting.

• Secured $6M seed funding from 20VC, Picus Capital, and Coinbase Ventures
• Implements a 'YouTube-style' user-generated market model

Brookfield Asset Management is preparing to list Altius Telecom Infrastructure Trust in India, potentially raising 60 billion rupees. The company is also considering a pre-IPO funding round to further increase capital.

• IPO target of 60 billion rupees ($630 million)
• Draft prospectus filing expected in May

Adobe's board has authorized a massive $25 billion stock buyback program to signal confidence in the company's long-term value. However, the announcement has failed to spark a rally as investors weigh the impact of generative AI and an upcoming CEO transition.

• Authorized $25 billion buyback through April 2030
• Q1 2026 revenue reached a record $6.4 billion

Asian equities fell on Thursday as fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz drove crude prices higher. Market sentiment was further pressured by a divided U.S. Federal Reserve and rising inflation concerns in Japan.

• Brent crude surged to $122 on Middle East supply fears
• Fed held rates in a split 8-4 vote, signaling internal division

Green Thumb Industries (GTBIF) demonstrates strong financial fundamentals and strategic market positioning within the U.S. cannabis sector. Potential regulatory shifts and federal reclassification could serve as significant catalysts for long-term valuation growth.

• Cash reserves of $274.3M provide a buffer for expansion and acquisitions
• Schedule III reclassification would remove restrictive 280E tax laws

Nominee Kevin Warsh has expressed a desire to shrink the Federal Reserve's balance sheet and eliminate the 'dot plot' guidance. These ideological shifts could introduce significant headwinds for equity markets and increase Treasury yields.

• Warsh views the current balance sheet as 'fiscal policy in disguise'
• Quantitative tightening could increase borrowing costs and slow corporate profit growth