US OPEN: The Market Keeps Up the Pace. Key Trump–Xi Jinping Conversation in the Background

The main U.S. indices are opening Friday’s session in positive territory. The S&P 500 is up about 0.05%, Nasdaq gains around 0.17%, and the Dow Jones increases by approximately 0.07%. Following the recent Federal Reserve decision to cut interest rates, investors are showing greater risk appetite, which supports positive market sentiment.

The latest Federal Reserve (Fed) decision has significantly impacted financial market sentiment. For the first time since December, the Fed lowered interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 4.00–4.25%. This move clearly signals that the central bank is easing its restrictive monetary policy to support the economy amid rising challenges and potential slowdown risks. The Fed also indicated that further rate cuts are possible, but their timing and magnitude will depend on incoming economic data. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that the rate cut decision is primarily a form of “risk management.”

At the same time, markets are closely watching developments on the international stage. A phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected today. The main topic will be the future of the TikTok app in the U.S. and issues around control of its operations, which raise concerns due to Chinese connections.

While this conversation could be a step toward easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, uncertainty about the details and outcomes keeps investors cautious. A possible agreement could bring calm and stability to global markets, whereas disagreement or escalation of the conflict could trigger volatility and market declines.

US500 (H1 interval)

The market reacted very positively to the Federal Reserve’s rate cut decision. Nasdaq 100 futures are holding well above key moving averages (EMA 25, EMA 50, and EMA 100), indicating strong bullish investor sentiment. The current move is a continuation of gains fueled by expectations of further monetary support from the Fed. This behavior suggests that investors believe the central bank’s policy will positively impact the economy and markets, supporting further index strength.

Company News:

• Amazon (AMZN.US) shares rise 0.84% to $233.17 following the announcement of a partnership with Winn-Dixie in Florida. This new service allows residents of Jacksonville and Orlando to order groceries through Amazon’s website and app. The partnership expands Amazon’s grocery delivery reach, helping the company gain new customers in the southeastern U.S.
   
• Cracker Barrel (CBRL.US) shares fall 2.45% after the announcement of the eighth proxy battle by activist investor Sardar Biglari, who owns about 2.9% of the company’s shares. Biglari demands the CEO’s removal and criticizes the company’s strategy, pointing to failed rebranding and unprofitable investments. This conflict puts pressure on management and affects investor sentiment.
   
• Merck (MRK.US) shares gain 0.57% following positive opinions from the European Medicines Agency regarding the drug Keytruda. Regulatory support strengthens the company’s prospects in the pharmaceutical sector and positively influences investor sentiment.
   
• Lennar (LEN.US) shares drop 2.02% after disappointing Q3 2025 financial results. The company’s net income fell 51% to $591 million ($2.29 per share), while revenues declined 9% to $8.8 billion. Lennar lowered the average home sale price to $383,000 and introduced additional incentives for buyers amid weakening housing demand. Other homebuilder stocks also declined as investors worry that sustained high interest rates may further reduce demand for new homes. Lennar’s weak results increase uncertainty about the overall housing market.
   
• BILL Holdings (BILL.US) shares rise about 1% following an upgrade from Truist Securities. Analysts highlight strong core revenue growth prospects and positive earnings outlook, attracting investor attention and boosting the stock price.