The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Thursday, Jun, 18 2026

US stock futures are slightly higher this morning, with E-mini S&P 500 contracts up about 0.1%, as investors weigh stubborn cost pressures against cooling housing activity. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to leave its key interest rate in a 3.50% to 3.75% range, so attention is shifting to its projections, which act like a roadmap for how long borrowing costs might stay elevated. At the same time, import prices rising 1.9% in May and housing starts falling 15.4% are pulling in opposite directions for inflation. The key question now is how rate sensitive sectors such as housing, banks and utilities react if borrowing costs stay high while growth indicators soften.

With rates staying higher for longer and growth signals mixed, focus on 65 resilient stocks with low risk scores before volatility spikes.

Top Movers

• Moderna (MRNA) jumped 11.55% after supportive FDA briefing documents and updates to its operating model related to future vaccines.
• Robinhood Markets (HOOD) gained 8.78% as multiple analysts raised price targets following a planned workforce reduction.
• GE Vernova (GEV) rose 6.77% after Bernstein initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and a long-term demand thesis.

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Top Losers

• Carvana (CVNA) declined 10.25% after RBC Capital reduced its price target to US$85.
• EchoStar (SATS) declined 7.66%.
• AppLovin (APP) declined 6.93%.

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On The Radar

Today’s focus stays squarely on the Federal Reserve decision, with a side of fresh earnings and governance updates.

• Federal Reserve Decision: The June meeting on Thursday will clarify rate settings and projections that shape borrowing costs.
• Import and Export Prices: Recent May data on Thursday highlight energy driven cost pressures in global trade flows.
• US Housing Activity: May housing starts and permits on Thursday provide another read on higher rate pressure.
• Accenture (ACN): Q3 2026 earnings on Thursday will update investors on consulting demand trends and cost discipline.
• Kroger (KR): Q1 2027 results before the market opens on Thursday spotlight grocery margins, pricing power, and consumer spending mix.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.