Overview

• SoftBank confirmed a $2 billion purchase of Intel stock at $23 a share, sending Intel up as much as 10% in Tuesday trading.
• U.S. stock futures were little changed and major indexes hovered near records as investors stayed cautious ahead of key policy cues.
• Home Depot’s quarterly profit slightly missed estimates but sales improved and full‑year guidance held, starting a heavy week for retail results from Lowe’s, Target and Walmart.
• Markets are focused on Powell’s Friday speech in Jackson Hole, with futures pricing two quarter‑point cuts this year and the first likely in September, while Fed vice chair Michelle Bowman is set to speak Tuesday.
• Global signals were mixed as Tokyo’s Nikkei notched another intraday record before slipping, and oil prices eased while investors weighed Ukraine peace efforts and potential implications for sanctions.