April 23, Friday: $3,600B total Market Cap (value): HON, AXP, DMLRY. PTR) IDCBY) Bachy) Acgby) Amperex)SLB, BEN, Rcl, Kmb, HclT) wYibin) haitianF) Pstvy) Cicof) Ciify) WillS) Schn. telia. hrshf) htsc) zijmy) mthry) luzhou) shiPud) ztcoy) ccohf) cmaky) bcmxy) znh) rf, alv, gntx, sev. sterv. yar. rco. lifco. 9gf) maxis) vingroup) tom. 0ec) emtk) sid, aak. icad. upl) sxt, saab. dom. entra. sow. ctb, gva, fd, azz, rasp. grvy, npk, cir, opy, peo, bwen, -TIMING KEY: )Asia .Eu ,UsAM ‘UsPM April 22 Thursday: $3,500B total Market Cap (value): INTC'! NSRGY. T, DHR, SAP, SNAP' BX, FCX, RMS. Unp, Hca, DHI, LUV, NUE, CS. Vlo, Tal, Iqv, Dow, Mktx, Biib, Odfl, Sivb Vrsn' Tsco, Stx' Aal, Ce' Gpc, Sna Volv. Angpy. Dg. Ri. Viv. eqt. relx. nlmk. Njdcy) lgChem) chugai) cnTou) caovy) saudTe. Kb) Shg) HindZn) sna, dgx, aep, fe' sam' pool, alle, hban, gbooy' Ifjpy. sgro. monc. kinv. bol. skf. eden. bvi. rto. rno. barn. gjf. gfc. pblof) disco) dpW. Tw. pnr wso rs csl clf alk mat skx son vicr wns gtls wwe Spxcy) kpcpy) save safe ori ewbc pbct faf ffin gbci ozk bku abcb asb bkt. tel2. sk. get. husq. ipn. tph trn hth sitc hri kn stc bjri oflx wrt1v. rxl. valmt. sxs. asr rws. thule. nent. axfo. itp. vitr. ajb. te. bfit. carm. dom. ips. wpk aub cade indb ari sasr sbcf eig bhe boom hzo arch iin clw usx ibst. camp clfd pds lyts tzoo -TIMING KEY: )Asia .Eu ,UsAM ‘UsPM April 21 Wed: $3,000B total Market Cap (value): ASML.! LRCX' BHP) NEE, VZ, RHHBY. Eric. Lvs' Cmg' Ndaq, Nvr, Antm, Cci Longi) Heia. Cp' Dboey. Sdmhf. Sartf. Anto. Akza. Wln. Tel, Kmi' Hal, Bkr, Lad, Efx' Whr' Seic' Rhi. Slm' Luxshare) Pkx) Shb. Rand. Ca. Ac. knx, rci, xm' ggg' gl' sbny, mru, chdn' bnzl. poly. magn. elisa. lstr caci rli rexr vmi ufpi awcmy) bokf fr nep slg umpq neu stl soi. cast. wdp. vpk. unicom) huadong) dbiBk. cns snbr plxs nwe qlt. rushb hcsg ntgr mtl arb. clb lob tbk tcbi bxs fcfs banr egbn bpfh veil. bedu csv -TIMING KEY: )Asia .Eu ,UsAM ‘UsPM April 20 Tue: $3,300B total Market Cap (value): NFLX'! JNJ, PG, ABT, LMT, ISRG, PM, RIO) IBKR' CSX' Ker. Ew' Pgr Trv, Edu Asm. Inve. Bn. Ntrs, Dov, Omc, Key, Fitb, Wrb' An, Man, Si, Abf. Sika. Sand. Temn. PingAnB) hengrui)\ zhifei) polyDv) emEtisalat. irdm, cma, snv, thc' wbs, xrx, nod. cov. geti. avst. aza. so. pom. rose. arcad. ihp. flow. jup. enav. mony. ald) cgf) lrn for alfff pacw hwc sfnc ucbi fult fmbi pfc. ttsh -TIMING KEY: )Asia .Eu ,UsAM ‘UsPM April 19 Mon: $700B total Market Cap (value): IBM' KO, PLD, UAL' HikVision) AlRajhi. Hog, Cck' Stld' mtb, zion, cnUtdNw) pnfp' eo. acc' hxl' jaSolar) tinci) icPru) jiangsuKi) gotion) perfectW) otgly. etEtisalat. els' fnb' wtfc' sfbs' onb, gtt. fangdaS) enog. mery. dsv acu apm -TIMING KEY: )Asia .Eu ,UsAM ‘UsPM

April 30, Friday: $6,500B total Market Cap (value): BABA!) XOM CVX ABBV. AZN CHTR PTR) BNPqy. ITW CP BARC. BBV. Midea) Toely) Foxcon) DBSdy) Kmtsuy Psx Wey Clx Gww Aon Jci Lhx Psx e. schn. sgre. sren, imo qsr Cicoy) foshanHa) cypc) hrhsf) hocpy) bcmxy) chcjy) snyyf) mitsy) japay) induBk boeT) saicM) araw) muyuan) laoj) pudo) bjShiR) weicy) ccohf) cmaky) cnicf) Htsc) lsrcy) wpc nwl impuy. ebkdy mtx. kpn. sk3. svcbf. swmay. bsac vtbr. polyD) crrc) bjKi) nariT) crwof) nwwcf) airyy) 4fg) wingtec) bkShi) aeccAv) shaanxiC) 2x2a) zlioy) gnzuf) znh) casbf) cbumy) monoy) gujing) shiPo) montageT) opein) sgH) bkBj) huaX) bkNan) avicS) jonhon) cea) cgl) cnShipC) 188h) sanhua) 6cz) hualan) liuhe) changan) founderS) 0ec) yzc) hrc vst psxp hun besi. light. shlx wch. nhmaf) avary) cnSat) baotou) junshi) sdicP) cnRsMc) avicX) guoxinM) 6mt) cnIndSc) orientSec) indusBk) mgp laz avnt por gt pnm bcpc moex. tkc. sso. ror. kog. hmsy usm geld hp tds b mog abr pipr imgn pbi aroc wetf msgn ofix slca asix pfs yesBk) April 29, Thursday: $11,000B total Market Cap (value): AMZN!! SMSN!) MA CAT TWTR CMCSA AIR. RDSA TOT. SPGI MOUTAI) TMO MRK BMY MCD AMT ICE CICHY) CIHKY) LFC) SNP) KYCCF) BAS. BIDU) NIO) GILD MO NOC TEAM NEM KLAC VRTX BXT PBR UN. GLEN. So Dlr Khc Kdp Eqnr Mindray) Fmg) Alxn Trow SPG CBRE Wltw Stm. Dxcm Ftnt Swks Ftnt Expe Nvcr Ctxs Zen Lyg. Rbs. Stan. Ceo) Dbsdy) Chvkf) Gwlly) Hymtf) Naver) GreeEl) Longi) Lglg) Ntioy sfHo) Lh Sgen Ajg Ftv 6ht) April 28, Wednesday: $6,000B total Market Cap (value): AAPL!! FB! QCOM BA SHOP TMUS NOW CME SNE MCO Hynix) Hkxcy) Mediatek) Bsx Hum Nsc Sny. Gsk. Adp F Ebay Spot Gd Aph Scco Dsy. San. Dnzoy yibin) shecy) DB. Kkr Tdoc Swk Orly psa algn nvtk. eqix gmbxf knebv. Crh. Rok afl yum grmn avb well siri assa. dher. luxshare) muyuan) mraay) olcly) yahoy) ahchy) miely) April 27, Tuesday: $9,000B total Market Cap (value): GOOG!! MSFT!! V TXN AMD PINS HSBC. UBS. RTX GE UPS MMM ABB. BP. AMGN LLY NVS SYK FSV MMC Cb Mdlz Shw Cof Ecl Ilmn Msci Adm Glw Mxim Cnc Amx Pcar Fanuy) Su. Atco. Enph Ter Pfg Evo. Eqr Yumc Iex Bxp Syf Dte Eix Phm Ffiv Jnpr Ivz chrw tru fqvlf acgl oke entg ess wynn udr has masi cree pii jblu April 26, Monday: $3,300B total Market Cap (value): TSLA!! VALE IBN)Sat] Amperex) Byddy) Nxpi. Cdns Phia. Amp Cni Lu Sabic CnTG) Ssnc Sbac Knin. Otis Ckpt Mgddy. Caj) indBC) greeEl) cypc) pbcry) kspi. ultraC) techM lii bro pkg mksi aci agnc uhs guotaiJS)

As different countries welcome the vaccination against the raging Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses are expected to bounce back to their feet. One of the highly profitable markets that are likely to resume is the rental market. This is after a successful vaccination program in the UK that has impacted an increase in demand for rental properties by the office executives, as reported by the International Property Consultant Knight Frank. However, is the impact similar in the supply curve? While the rental property demand is increasing, the case may not be the same in the property letting markets. London's prime locations have experienced an over-supply of rental properties as the letting sector continues to diminish. This is after the property owners switching to the sales markets in the fear of the uncertainties with the coronavirus. For instance, the UK has recorded another year of high transactions in the sales market last month, marking fifteen years in a row. The effects can be also be felt by the Premier League footballers as London’s rental market celebrates over £5000 in a week. What Is the Situation in The Corporate World? The UK economy is gradually opening after the third national lockdown that had rendered many businesses helpless. Consequently, more relocation agents representing senior international executives moving to the UK are now searching for houses costing between £2000 and £4000 per week. According to the statics, the number of agents looking for houses is now four times higher than what was recorded in April last year during the first lockdown. However, they face similar shortages as the supply sector is expected to experience more pressure over the traditionally busy months ahead. The most affected by the shortages of houses are the European and North American families whose parents work in finance and tech. sectors. Moreover, the locations with high demands include Hampstead, Notting Hill, Kensington, and parts of Home Counties. As a result, the number of house listings recorded in March 2021 dropped from 532 to 286; that is a 46.2% decrease compared to the same month last year across London and the Home Counties. Unfortunately, the Home Counties took the heaviest blow when the listings of houses between £2000 and £4000 dropped from 36 last year to 6 this year. What Does the Future Entail? John Humphris, who is in charge of relocations and corporate services at Knight Frank, predicts that property owners are likely to hike rents on most in-demand properties for the coming months. This is due to the decrease in the rental values by 14.3% as more short-let properties enter the sales market. Those looking for letting properties should expect more supply shortages and higher rents this summer due to stiff competition for the best properties. This means only one parent can live in a permanent house for the time being, while others may opt to broaden their search or rent properties below their budget. (Editor: Richard Oyamo)

U.S. stocks climbed on Monday as a retreat in U.S. Treasury yields helped lift expensive stocks in sectors like technology as investors attempt to gauge the path of inflation. Fred Katayama reports. Investors flocked to tech stocks Wednesday, driving Wall Street higher. Cooling inflation fears dragged down Treasury yields, and that fueled the rally in rate-sensitive growth stocks like Apple and Microsoft. The Dow finished a half percent higher. The S&P 500 gained 1%, and the Nasdaq jumped 1.4%. But Kramer Capital Research Chief Investment Officer Hilary Kramer says it’s too soon to put inflation worries to bed. “Now the demand is so great that companies cannot fulfill the orders. Smaller businesses are not getting access like they need, and we're going to see a spiraling inflation. And we're going to see wage inflation very, very soon.” Risk sentiment also improved as cryptocurrencies recovered some losses after further signs of a Chinese crackdown on the sector fueled a selloff. Shares of miners Riot Blockchain rose 14% and Marathon Digital 11%. Virgin Galactic shares skyrocketed 28%. British billionaire Sir Richard Branson’s spaceship company completed its first manned space flight over the weekend.

Tuesday, 25 May 2021 - In what Australia’s Clean Energy Council (CEC) described as a missed opportunity, the government has shown little faith in championing the global crusade for secure and clean energy-powered economies. The CEC’s sentiment comes in the wake of Wednesday’s budget in which the Morrison government delivered a budget that had no funding for renewable energy. Gas, globally, is fuelling the current climate crisis that the world finds itself in. However, billions of dollars have gone into subsidy and expansion efforts of Australia’s Gas industry. The CECs sentiments have been echoed by A. Fuller, who is the director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC). Fuller sounded his disapproval of the budget by saying that the government should focus on investing public finances towards realistic solutions that can guarantee a seamless transition to a clean energy-powered economy, as opposed to worsening the situation. The Government’s Stance The Morrison government is however convinced that channelling resources into the gas industry in the short term to long term solution to revitalizing the economy from the pandemic slump, and as well as being the quickest way to recovery. The budget further shows the government has its sight set on capital spending in fossil fuel infrastructures such as the relatively new Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) concept. The State of Australia’s Clean Energy As a principal co-signee of the Paris Agreement (2015), Australia is having an emerging and rapidly flourishing clean energy sector. And instead of the federal government supporting this global initiative, they have chosen to double down on bankrolling the gas-powered agenda. And in so, have opted to pay the countries huge carbon emitters to curtail emissions. The Post-Covid-19 Budget With regards to the global push for clean energy, the Morrison leadership has shown tremendous contrast to what's happening with international peers. The European Union and the US have co-signed to a post-Covid-19 multi-billion-dollar infrastructure that embraces cleaner energy in the anticipated economic recoveries. However, this week’s budget indicates more taxpayer support going into the rejuvenation of fossil industries, while virtually nothing has been allocated to help initiatives that speed up the transition to clean energy. The slightest glimpse of support has seen a commitment of the federal budget going into measures that minimize emissions. The Numbers In its gas-powered agenda, Australia has committed $59 million in support of gas industries as a post-pandemic recovery stimulus, $264 million in CCS projects, and a further $276 million in the creation of hydrogen hubs across the country. And climate and energy experts aren’t exactly thrilled because the suspicion is that most of this funding had previously been earmarked to go into the Vales Point Power Station upgrades. Moreover, the budget has headlined a further $280 million that is going to subsidies involving major carbon emitters to minimize emissions in the next decade. The National Oil and the agricultural sector have also had $60 million in funding to curb emissions. However, no new funding schemes have been set up to improve the clean energy sector. (Edited by: The Decision Maker team)

Wednesday, 19 May 2021 - With sights set on the South Korean president's visits to Washington later this week, Moon Jae has already hinted to Biden that diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang is the way forward to denuclearization. In an interview with the New York Times, he appeared to urge the U.S president to engage North Korea because options are running out. And ahead of Moon's crucial meeting with Biden, we look at what's to come in the long-standing denuclearization row with North Korea. Pyongyang’s Nuclear Threat The nuclear threat posed by the North continues to grow. However, it is increasingly likely that the task of stripping Kim’s nukes will become even more difficult. And despite decades of threats, diplomacy, sanctions, and the Trump administration’s P.R summits, the North continues to commission more missiles and nukes that can hit the U.S mainland. And last week, for instance, an unnamed source from the Rand Corporation and the Asian Institute for Policy Studies (RCAIPS) said the world should expect the North to accumulate more than 200 nuclear weapons before the tip of this decade. The source further indicated that the chance of the North abandoning its nuclear program is almost zero. What Now for The Biden Administration? Going forward, and as already alluded to by Moon Jae (South Korea president), what is left for Washington to do is go back to the negotiating table with Kim. Biden, who has adopted a non-confrontational approach with North Korea thus far, has hinted to diplomacy in recent months. And that's despite the North's most recent missile tests, albeit short-range. And while diplomacy is arguably the best option right now, a source close to Washington has revealed the administration has somewhat accepted the reality that the ship to denuclearization has probably sailed. And what is left to salvage would be achieved by making deals on issues such as alternative weapon systems and proliferation. Having lived through sanctions and threats amid diplomatic efforts, there is a growing sense that engagement with North Korea is the perfect strategy. And the U.S foreign policy diplomats are calling for diplomacy with the North not to be delayed any further because denuclearization is a subject of survival. Kim’s Nuclear Capability For years now, the World has underestimated the North’s ability to develop the world’s most deadly nuclear arsenal. And while that is arguably true, some of Kim Jong Un’s weapons can target the continental U.S. And this continues to surprise many considering the country's long-standing sanctions. But experts have argued that global sanctions can only achieve more, which is why going back to the negotiating table seems the best and timely choice, especially now that the North is reopening and Kim has shown commitment to the North’s post-pandemic economic recovery. On the contrary, some experts have suggested a greater military pressure, coupled with international sanctions could be the best way to deal with North Korea.

Wednesday, 19 May 2021 - As the World awaits the United States move to avert the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Russia and China are looking to capitalize on Washington’s go-slow, casting doubt on the U.S commitment to multilateralism and protection of human rights. The Gaza – East Jerusalem Crisis For the second week running, the Israeli military and the Hamas are exchanging rocket fire and airstrikes, and concerns have been raised on the probability of this crisis escalating to an all-out war. This is after Hezbollah forces from Lebanon fired six rockets that fall close to the Northern border with Israel, May 18. Linda Thomas, who is the United States ambassador to the U.N, hosted a United Nations session aimed at lobbying for the global condemnation of China based on its well-documented mistreatment of the Uyghur Muslims. China, on its part, has suggested that the US calls are efforts to divert scrutiny over its commitment to human rights in the wake of the ongoing Israeli – Palestinian crisis. The US Blocks Israeli Condemnation The 17 May event, hosted by Germany, Britain, and the United States, came on the backdrop of the Gaza crisis that had stirred countries such as Norway, China, Russia, and Tunisia to pass a statement through the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) criticizing Israel and calling on its forces to observe a ceasefire. However, the U.S blocked those calls, an action that has some diplomats (especially from China) raising doubts about the US commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism. The Casualties The Gaza Strip crisis has so far resulted in the deaths of over 200 Palestinians (mostly children and women) and 10 Israelis. The ongoing international discussion has seen global protests graze cities across the world from Paris, Bali, London, and more in support of the Palestinians. This imbroglio, which has torn apart the fabric of Israeli society, has put a spotlight on the U.S credentials as a global leader in humanitarian law. Washington has resisted calls to condemn Israel for its part in the crisis, actions which have seen the US face unprecedented domestic and international political pressure. This has seen countries like China, Tunisia, and Norway seek to condemn Israel through a joint statement through the U.N Security Council (UNSC). What This Means for Biden’s Administration Amid the growing global political pressure, U.S president Biden spearheaded calls for a ceasefire through a telephone conversion Monday with Netanyahu (Israeli prime minister). And with a swift turnaround, the U.S president blocked attempts by the U.N diplomats to adopt a joint statement criticizing Israel. However, Biden publicly urged the warring parties to stand down, saying a ceasefire was needed to avert civilian casualties. The Biden administration earlier pledged to re-join the UNHRC for the support of human rights, representing a turnaround from Trump's policy. Additionally, Washington has recently championed efforts to address human rights violations in China, Myanmar, and Ethiopia. However, a U.N Human Rights Watch diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, has said that Israel should be held accountable for its part in the Middle East crisis, just like everyone else. And Washington's resistance to condemn Israel continues to baffle many diplomats, citing that the U.S position will only undermine the credibility of the Biden administration. (Written and edited by: The Decision Maker team)

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 - Corfu port authorities said some 600 tourists from countries including Italy, France and Germany were on board the Costa Luminosa, operated by Italy's Costa Cruises, and all safety measures were being adhered to in the port. Some of the passengers expressed their delight at being able to travel again. "It's freedom, enjoying life, you really feel much better. You're not in prison anymore, you're free and that really does you good," said French tourist Robert Maran from Lyon. Greece opened its doors on Saturday to tourists from the EU and other key markets such as the United States, Israel and Britain, lifting the need for people to quarantine as long as they have been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19. Costa's first ship to resume cruises in Greece and the second to restart operations overall, is one of four scheduled to resume cruises this summer in the Mediterranean. It set sail from the port of Trieste on May 16, and besides Corfu, will also stop in Athens, Mykonos, the port of Katakolon near Olympia in Greece, and Bari in Italy. It will operate until mid-November for some 27 cruises. According to the company website, safety measures due to the coronavirus include a reduced number of passengers, social distancing, testing before embarking and midway through the cruise, as well as daily temperature checks when passengers disembark and re-enter the ship, as well as during excursions. Masks will be required when necessary. The crew will also undergo frequent tests. Another cruiseship, Mein Schiff 5 with about 1,000 passengers, was the first to dock at Piraeus Port this summer holiday season, Piraeus Port Authority said. Tourists visited the local sites on the island wearing masks and underwent temperature checks at the museums. "At last we're coming back on track to freedom and work," said tour guide Wafaa Spirou. "Safety and hygiene measures are being respected both by us and by our clients." In March, the Costa Luminosa bound for the Italian harbour of Savona, had 36 people on board found to be infected with the coronavirus when tests were undertaken on passengers, during a stop in the French port of Marseille. (Reporting by Spyros Skordilis, Writing by Deborah Kyvrikosaios, Editing by Alexandra Hudson)

Post-Market Wrap: May 18, 2021 - CNBC brings you fast, accurate, and actionable business news and market updates.

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 - S&P 500 opens flat after weaker-than-expected housing data CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" team discusses the market open.

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 - Berkshire Hathaway cuts stakes in Wells Fargo, Chevron and Merck CNBC's Leslie Picker reports on some big moves Berkshire Hathaway made this past quarter.