Finance

Kevin Warsh was officially sworn in as the nation's top central banker, inheriting a market defined by rising inflation concerns and shifting interest rate expectations. Treasury yields eased slightly toward the end of the week, with the 10-year note settling at 4.56%, providing a brief reprieve for stock valuations.

Major retailers including Target, Lowe’s, and TJX reported first-quarter earnings that surpassed analyst expectations, signaling a recovery in consumer discretionary momentum. Target's return to positive comparable store sales and improved digital performance helped lead a sector-wide rotation back into retail stocks.

The Securities and Exchange Commission approved Nasdaq's request to list cash-settled European-style index options based on the price of bitcoin on May 23, 2026. This regulatory move provides institutional and retail traders with a new derivative tool to hedge or speculate on digital asset prices without the direct exercise risks associated with ETF options.