As of the previous Friday's close, major US equity indices posted gains: the S&P 500 rose by 0.53%, the Nasdaq 100 advanced by 0.52%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 0.52%.

The upward momentum continued into Monday, supported by easing trade concerns and improved market sentiment following recent volatility tied to US regional banking worries. European and Asian markets followed suit, with the Stoxx Europe 600 gaining 0.6%—led by banking stocks—and the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index jumping by 1.8%. The emerging markets stock index added 1.4%.

French sovereign bonds declined after S&P Global Ratings downgraded the country's credit rating. US Treasuries also fell across the curve, pushing the 10-year yield up one basis point to 4.02%. Gold held steady, while oil prices dropped, extending losses into a third consecutive week.

Investor sentiment improved after US President Donald Trump signaled a willingness to de-escalate trade tensions with China, against a backdrop of stress in US regional bank lending. A new round of US-China trade talks is scheduled this week in Malaysia, where Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to discuss ways to prevent further escalation.

While markets have responded positively to the prospect of dialogue, skepticism remains over the likelihood of a long-term agreement. Economists caution that structural trade issues, such as intellectual property and market access, will not be resolved in a single round. Still, any moderation in rhetoric and openness to compromise is viewed as supportive for global growth and supply chain stability.

Notably, Trump recently highlighted rare earth metals, fentanyl, and soybeans as key friction points in the US-China relationship.

Regarding France, which I mentioned earlier, rating agency S&P Global Ratings downgraded the country from AA- to A+, stating that the nation's fiscal uncertainty has increased. Within just one month, France has lost its AA rating from two of the three major credit assessors, potentially forcing some funds with ultra-strict investment criteria to sell the country's bonds.

Meanwhile, Middle East tensions are escalating again. Israel struck Hamas in the Gaza Strip and reportedly suspended all humanitarian aid shipments on Sunday, accusing Hamas of orchestrating a deadly ambush that killed two soldiers.

As for the S&P 500's technical picture, buyers' main task today will be to overcome the nearest resistance level of $6,697. This would demonstrate strength and open the possibility of a push toward the $6,711 mark. An equally important priority for bulls will be maintaining control above $6,727, which would strengthen buyers' positions. In case of a downward movement amid reduced risk appetite, buyers must assert themselves around $6,682. A break below this level would quickly push the trading instrument back to $6,672 and open the path toward $6,660.