The “Memory Wall” and Why It’s Driving the Latest AI-Rally

What’s in Today’s Report:

• The “Memory Wall” and Why It’s Caused the Latest AI-Driven Rally

Futures are higher with tech and small caps leading as oil and yields retreat amid firming optimism for a U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal after an otherwise quiet night of news.

Economically, Chinese Industrial Profits rose 2.7% to 18.2% in April, the fastest pace since November of 2023 with “Computing/Electronics” profits more than doubling Y/Y helping bolster AI-enthusiasm.

Looking into today’s session, there is one “second-tiered” economic report: the Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index (E: 4.0) which is unlikely to materially impact markets (however “hot” price figures could rekindle inflation worries).

Additionally, there is a 5-Yr Treasury Note auction at 1:00 p.m. ET which could shed light on the sustainability of the recent rebound in bonds, so the stronger the demand, the better for fixed income markets and risk assets alike today.

There are also two Fed speakers, both late in the day with Cook scheduled to deliver remarks at 3:55 p.m. ET, and Jefferson on the calendar to speak after the close (8: 00 p.m. ET). Regarding the Fed speak, the less hawkish/more accommodative the tone, the better.

Finally, some late-season earnings will be released today with DKS ($2.87), PDD ($2.03), BNS ($1.46), CRM ($2.30), MRVL ($0.61), SNOW (-$0.59), HPQ ($0.72) all due to release Q1 results. Barring any noteworthy disappointments, particularly from the tech companies reporting, a strong earnings season should remain a tailwind for market into the end of the month.