

Stocks Jump on Consumer Confidence, Trade Talks
May 27, 2025
Consumer confidence has seen a significant rebound, marking its largest gain in four years. The U.S. and EU are hinting at renewed trade negotiations, potentially easing tensions. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's conflict with Harvard over federal contracts raises questions about higher education's future. The REIT market faces uncertainties due to tariffs and interest rate fluctuations, while there’s growing interest in data centers and senior housing as investment opportunities.
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Consumer Confidence Soars on Trade Relief
- US consumer confidence surged by 12.3 points in May, the biggest monthly gain in four years.
- This rebound largely reflects relief following progress in trade talks, especially with China.
Jobs Drive Consumer Confidence
- Consumer confidence mainly reflects jobs outlook, not inflation concerns.
- Expectations about future income capture some economic sentiment but inflation is not directly measured.
EU Splits Trade Talks Strategically
- EU aims to break down trade talks with the US into smaller parts to seek progress.
- This compartmentalization risks fragmented deals without a full agreement before the July tariff deadline.