Finance

Despite beating top and bottom-line expectations with record revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2027, Nvidia shares experienced a slight decline in after-hours trading. While the company issued an upbeat forecast for chip sales, investors appeared to have already priced in the strong demand for AI infrastructure, leading to a muted response from the broader technology sector.

Brent crude futures experienced significant volatility, dropping over 5% to settle near $105 per barrel amid conflicting reports regarding a potential peace agreement between the United States and Iran. Although prices rebounded slightly in early trade on May 21, the market remains sensitive to supply concerns involving the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The release of minutes from the Federal Reserve's April meeting indicated that a majority of officials are open to further interest rate hikes if inflation remains persistent. These concerns have recently pushed the 30-year Treasury yield to its highest levels since 2007, reflecting investor anxiety over fiscal deficits and energy-driven cost pressures.