(Editor's note: The future prices of benchmark tracking ETFs, the headline, the lede and the economic were updated in the story.)

(Editor's note: The future prices of benchmark tracking ETFs, the headline, the lede and the economic were updated in the story.)
Stocks In Focus
Cisco Systems
Doximity
Grocery Outlet Holding

Precision Optics Corporation
Applied Materials
Cues From Last Session
Communication services, consumer discretionary, and information technology stocks led the S&P 500 gains on Wednesday, while utilities and financials ended lower.
| Index | Performance (+/-) | Value |
| Dow Jones | -0.14% | 49,693.20 |
| S&P 500 | 0.58% | 7,444.25 |
| Nasdaq Composite | 1.20% | 26,402.34 |
| Russell 2000 | 0.039% | 2,843.93 |
Insights From Analysts
According to BlackRock's May 2026 commentary, the firm maintains a pro-risk stance, specifically overweighting U.S. equities despite elevated oil prices and interest rates.
BlackRock argues there is "no disconnect between record U.S. equities prices and elevated oil, commodities and yields," as the market is simultaneously pricing in "AI-driven growth and the impact of the Middle East supply shock."
However, the economy faces risks from sticky inflation and rising long-term yields. BlackRock notes that "the combined effect of higher inflation and rising capital demand could push yields high enough to weigh on valuations."
Despite these pressures, the firm prefers equities over bonds, remaining underweight long-term U.S. Treasuries due to the compounding effect of energy price shocks on inflationary pressures.
Upcoming Economic Data
Here's what investors will be keeping an eye on Thursday.
Commodities, Crypto, And Global Equity Markets
Crude oil futures were trading lower in the early New York session by 0.27% to hover around $101.29 per barrel.
Gold Spot US Dollar rose 0.37% to hover around $4,706.13 per ounce. Its last record high stood at $5,595.46 per ounce. The U.S. Dollar Index spot was 0.03% lower at the 98.4940 level.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) was trading 1.35% lower at $79,894.40 per coin, as per the last 24 hours.
Asian markets closed mixed on Thursday, as Australia's ASX 200, India's Nifty 50, South Korea's Kospi indices rose. While Japan's Nikkei 225, China's CSI 300, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng indices fell. European markets were higher in early trade.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock