United States NAHB Housing Market Index above expectations (35) in May: Actual (37)

May 18, 2026

Europe: Rearmament reshapes growth outlook – Nordea

Nordea's Chief Economist Helge J. Pedersen argues that rapidly rising defense spending in Europe represents a historic fiscal expansion that can support GDP in the short term but raises medium‑term risks.

Equities: Energy shock risks to AI investment – Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered’s Madhur Jha assesses how the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the current energy shock could challenge AI optimism. The bank highlights near-term risks to semiconductor input supplies and longer-term risks to AI investment and demand.