📊 Global Economic & Market Outlook – Week of May 26, 2025: Tariff Fears and Tech Earnings in Focus
Hello, investors!
As we head into the final week of May, markets are bracing for a flurry of impactful developments. Both South Korea and the U.S. will see critical economic data releases, major earnings reports, and key speeches from central bank officials. Volatility may rise as markets digest the latest signals on growth, inflation, and trade policy.
🇺🇸 U.S. Key Events & Issues
1. Nvidia Earnings Report (Expected May 28)
Nvidia is set to report Q1 earnings this week. Wall Street expects revenues to reach $43.2 billion, up nearly 45% year-over-year. As the bellwether of the AI industry, Nvidia's results could heavily influence market sentiment toward growth tech stocks.
Source: Reuters
2. U.S. Q1 GDP Revision (May 30)
A revised estimate of U.S. Q1 GDP is scheduled for release. The initial reading showed a 0.3% annualized contraction, but analysts expect an upward revision. The final figure could shape expectations around the Fed’s monetary policy trajectory.
Source: S&P Global
3. Fed Speakers on Watch
Remarks from San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan are scheduled this week. Markets will closely monitor their tone for clues about future rate cuts or a prolonged pause.
Source: MarketWatch
4. Trump's Tariff Threats Return
Former President Trump has reignited trade concerns by threatening a 50% tariff on EU goods and suggesting possible tariffs on smartphones from companies like Apple and Samsung. The prospect of renewed trade wars is unsettling global markets.
Source: The Guardian
🇰🇷 South Korea Key Events & Issues
1. May Consumer Price Index (Expected May 30)
Korea’s inflation figures for May will be released at the end of the week. The data is expected to guide the Bank of Korea’s policy stance amid ongoing concerns over price stability.
2. Trade Balance and Export Trends
Korea will also release May export and import figures. These numbers will be closely watched for signs of recovery in global demand and their impact on Korea’s growth outlook.
3. Earnings from Major Corporations
Major tech firms including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expected to report earnings. Their performance, especially in the semiconductor space, will be a key indicator of the broader tech sector’s health.
📅 Key Weekly Calendar
| May 27 (Mon) | U.S. Memorial Day – Stock markets closed |
| May 28 (Tue) | Nvidia Q1 earnings report |
| May 29 (Wed) | Fed officials’ speeches (Daly, Logan) |
| May 30 (Thu) | U.S. Q1 GDP revision, Korea CPI and trade data releases |
💡 Investment Strategy & Outlook
- Maintain Defensive Positioning: With trade tensions rising and policy outlooks uncertain, a more cautious and balanced portfolio allocation is advisable.
- Watch AI and Semiconductors: Nvidia’s results and Korean chipmakers’ earnings could influence tech sentiment broadly—stay attentive to any surprises.
- Monitor Key Data for Policy Clues: U.S. GDP and Korean inflation figures may affect future central bank decisions—keep an eye on the macro signals.
🏁 Final Thoughts
This week may be a turning point for both global markets and economic sentiment. Between Nvidia’s AI-powered performance, sensitive inflation data, and geopolitical friction, investors should expect heightened volatility. Stay alert, think long-term, and make your portfolio work through smart diversification and prudent risk management.