US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Futures Edge Higher As Bond Yields Test 5%
The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Wednesday, Sep, 16 2026
US stock futures are slightly higher, with E-mini S&P 500 contracts up about 0.3% and Nasdaq-100 minis ahead roughly 0.4%, as investors weigh climbing global borrowing costs against mixed growth signals from China. The US 10-year Treasury yield recently tested 5%, which means mortgages, credit cards, and business loans risk becoming more expensive if that level sticks. At the same time, China reported fixed-asset investment down 7.2% while retail sales rose only 0.4%, a sign that both construction and everyday spending are under pressure. The dilemma now is whether higher interest rates and a softening China put more strain on rate-sensitive areas like real estate and small caps, or whether attention stays on large tech and other cash-rich growth sectors.
With bond yields grinding higher across the globe, many investors are quietly rotating toward 11 resilient stocks with low risk scores that aim to keep volatility on a tighter leash.
Top Movers
- Illumina (ILMN) surged 6.76%.
- F5 (FFIV) gained 4.71% after unveiling new agentic AI protections for its Distributed Cloud Bot Defense product.
- Guardant Health (GH) climbed 4.65% after its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer secured Medicare and Medicaid coverage.
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Top Losers
- Circle Internet Group (CRCL) declined 11.41% as crypto related stocks reacted to reports of an AI driven mining shift.
- Coinbase Global (COIN) fell 10.10% alongside broader weakness in cryptocurrency linked trading businesses.
- Axon Enterprise (AXON) dropped 9.81% after announcing a US$1,000m zero coupon convertible notes offering and credit agreement amendment.
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On The Radar
With the economic calendar quiet, attention shifts toward company specific updates and the backdrop of rising global bond yields.
- Global Yields US 10Y near 5% on Wednesday keeps borrowing costs in focus for rate sensitive US sectors.
- China Macro Fresh August data on Wednesday highlights pressure on Chinese investment and spending that can affect global growth sentiment.
- Sea (SE) Annual meeting on Wednesday may offer fresh commentary on regional demand trends and capital allocation priorities.
- Roivant Sciences (ROIV) Wednesday AGM centers on board elections and auditor ratification, shaping governance and oversight for shareholders.
- Progressive (PGR) August report on Friday will update investors on premium trends, underwriting results and policy growth momentum.
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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.
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