Monday Morning Must-Knows - May 25, 2026

Monday Morning Must-Knows by Trading Academy

May 25, 2026

GDP and Core PCE Hit Thursday as Oil Threatens Inflation

This shortened Memorial Day trading week may be light on earnings, but the economic calendar is packed with market-moving data. Merlin breaks down Thursday’s GDP release, with expectations rising from the previous 0.7% reading to 2.1%, and explains why stronger growth could matter while the Dow, S&P, Nasdaq, and Russell sit near all-time highs.

The bigger inflation watch comes from Core PCE, also due Thursday at 8:30 AM Eastern. Markets expect another 0.3% reading, but Merlin explains why crude oil near $96 per barrel could push inflation higher and keep traders focused on transportation, shipping, plastic materials, and fuel costs.

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