The Daily Editor

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By STAN CHOE

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices eased Monday after a scare overnight where prices popped and then moderated. That helped steady stock markets worldwide as trading headed from Asia through Europe to Wall Street.

The S&P 500 edged down by 0.1% in early trading, after European stocks reversed losses and most Asian markets finished lower.

 » Read more about: A reversal in oil prices helps stock markets worldwide to steady  »

The direction of mortgage interest rates is driven by a wide range of factors, some of which interact with each other in unique ways.

 » Read more about: What are today's mortgage interest rates: May 18, 2026?  »

A stunning artificial intelligence-driven rally in stocks from the March 30 low has made finding great investment opportunities that much harder.

The biggest challenge facing stocks right now: AI enthusiasm has been driving the 2026 market rally, making it difficult for investors to find value in sectors outside of this theme.

 » Read more about: The stock market is facing a big challenge right now  »

The odds of an above-average 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) are looking better and better, with just five months to go until the official announcement. The latest projections have increased sharply, reflecting growing concerns about inflation.

But retirees hoping for a benefit boost to improve their quality of life are almost certain to be disappointed.

 » Read more about: Social Security COLA 2027: Why Retirees May Want to Temper Their Expectations  »

US stocks have been predicted to start Monday trading in the red, as they ended last week, with investors continuing to worry about rising bond yields, stubborn inflation and the economic fallout from higher oil prices.

Dow Jones futures were down around 262 points or 0.4%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures were down around 0.3% as Walkl Street’s key equity indexes continued to retreat from record highs seen last week.

 » Read more about: Dow Jones seen remaining in red, oil eases on reports of Iran sanctions lifted  »

2026 has been a year to remember for investors, and it isn’t even Memorial Day yet.

Stat of the day: There has been only one 5% or more pullback for the S&P 500 (^GSPC) this year, Truist chief investment officer Keith Lerner pointed out in a new note (see chart below).

 » Read more about: The S&P 500 is blowing minds and defying the odds: Stat of the day  »

 » Read more about: Is Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio (FSENX) a Strong Mutual Fund Pick Right Now?  »

## Market Snapshot

The market “Will Jerome Powell depart as Fed Chair by May 16, 2026?” is priced at 0.1% YES, down from 3% 24 hours ago. Meanwhile, “Will Jerome Powell depart as Fed Chair by June 30, 2026?” stands at 99.2% YES, reflecting strong confidence in Powell’s departure following Kevin Warsh’s confirmation.

 » Read more about: Kevin Warsh confirmed as new Federal Reserve Chair, succeeding Jerome Powell  »

 » Read more about: Nvidia reports earnings this week. Morgan Stanley is getting more bullish on the chipmaker  »