Global Markets Mixed as Corporate Moves Dominate Headlines

Global equity markets saw mixed performance on Tuesday as a wave of corporate announcements, analyst ratings changes, and fresh highs in select stocks kept traders active.

Corporate Ratings & Downgrades

Mondi PLC (MNDI) slipped after S&P cut its credit rating to BBB+, citing weaker credit metrics. C3.ai (AI) also fell in premarket trade after Oppenheimer downgraded the stock on a steep revenue warning and the departure of its CEO. Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on Akamai Technologies (AKAM) with a Sell rating, noting the shares are likely to remain rangebound.

Stocks Hitting Highs and Lows

Several major U.S. names hit fresh milestones. KLA Corporation (KLAC) reached an all-time high of $947.28, while Arista Networks (ANET), Tapestry Inc (TPR), Hasbro (HAS), and AMD (AMD) also posted significant highs. On the downside, H&R Block (HRB) touched a 52-week low, while Cava (CAVA) plunged to $67.38.

Sector Movers & Contracts

Oklo (OKLO) advanced after winning three U.S. Department of Energy reactor pilot projects, and Momentus (MNTS) surged over 85% after securing a NASA robotics study contract. Cognition Therapeutics (CGTX) jumped following FDA confirmation of its Phase 3 trial design, while Thumzup (TZUP) edged higher on expanding its Coinbase relationship.

Crypto & Commodities

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) rose to $120.3K, while Ether (ETH/USD) approached record highs amid corporate buying. Other altcoins, including ADA, DOGE, and SOL, saw double-digit percentage gains. Oil prices held steady ahead of the anticipated Trump–Putin meeting, with Brent and WTI slightly lower.

Macroeconomic & Policy Developments

The U.S. stock indices climbed on increased expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut, with the Dow Jones adding 0.83%. In the UK, the FTSE 100 edged down, even as the pound strengthened. In Asia, Chinese authorities proposed stricter rules for smart EV advertising, and the country allocated $153 million in disaster relief for grain production.

Looking Ahead

Investors will watch closely for Cisco’s (CSCO) earnings later today, as well as developments from the Trump administration on potential Fed leadership changes. The meeting between Trump and Putin is also in focus for possible policy shifts and sanctions discussions.