forward from popi – Popi’s UnSpun News 13May26 – The world keeps running hot, but the numbers still tell the real story if you take the time to read them.
Good Afternoon. It’s Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 14:00 PDT | in Livermore, California. Here is what you need to know.
Popi’s UnSpun News 13May26
TOP STORY: TRUMP AND XI OPEN HIGH-STAKES BEIJING SUMMIT ON IRAN AND TRADE
President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing today for a state visit that opens with a face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the Iran war, trade issues, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan at the top of the agenda. The White House has framed the trip as an opportunity to coordinate pressure on Tehran and to keep key sea lanes open, while Beijing is expected to press for de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and more predictable U.S. economic policy.pbs
The talks come as U.S. allies and shipping companies push both Washington and Beijing to stabilize conditions around Hormuz, which remains central for global oil flows. Markets are watching for any signs that China and the United States can agree on steps that reduce the risk of further disruptions, since energy prices and shipping insurance costs have both been sensitive to war-related headlines in recent weeks.pbs
Popi’s UnSpun News 13May26 — MARKETS
U.S. stock markets finished mixed on Tuesday, with the Dow inching higher while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped after hotter-than-expected inflation data and renewed focus on Middle East tensions and the upcoming Trump–Xi summit. Traders rotated into energy, industrials, materials, and parts of technology, while some high-flying AI names saw profit-taking.zacks+1
| Instrument | Level / Price | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 7,400.96 | -7.27 | -0.10% zacks |
| Dow Jones Industrial Avg | 49,760.56 | +56.09 | +0.11% zacks+1 |
| Nasdaq Composite | 26,088.20 | -185.92 | -0.70% zacks |
| VIX (Fear Index) | 18.00 | -0.40 | -2.17% finance.yahoo |
| 10-Year Treasury Yield | ~4.4% (recent) | n/a | n/a zacks |
| Brent Crude Oil* | rising, recent up | n/a | n/a zacks+1 |
| U.S. Avg. Gas Price (AAA)* | higher vs spring | n/a | n/a zacks |
| California Avg. Gas Price* | above U.S. avg | n/a | n/a zacks |
*Brent and gas lines are directional based on current reporting; exact intraday quotes vary by source and time.thestreet+1
The Dow’s modest gain was supported in part by health care, with UnitedHealth Group up about 3 percent, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq weakened as large technology and AI names sold off after the latest inflation report and rising oil prices. Sector data showed energy leading on the back of higher crude, with industrials, materials, and information technology also positive, while communication services and consumer staples lagged.zacks
Volatility, as measured by the VIX, eased toward the high teens, suggesting options markets are pricing in some uncertainty around upcoming inflation data and the Trump–Xi summit but not a major spike in near-term fear. Treasury yields remain elevated as investors weigh the possibility that the Federal Reserve may need to keep rates higher for longer if inflation proves sticky, which continues to cap some of the upside in rate-sensitive corners of the equity market.finance.yahoo+2
Popi’s UnSpun News 13May26 — NATIONAL NEWS
Trump–Xi State Visit — President Trump’s Beijing visit begins with a meeting with Xi Jinping focused on the Iran war, trade, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, with both governments under pressure to calm tensions affecting oil and shipping.
Iran Ceasefire Strains — In recent remarks, Trump has described the U.S. ceasefire with Iran as “on life support” after rejecting an Iranian proposal linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, signaling that diplomacy remains fragile as fighting continues.
Markets React to Inflation — U.S. stocks closed mixed Tuesday, with the Dow slightly higher and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq lower, as investors digested a hotter inflation reading and monitored developments in the Middle East and the coming U.S.–China talks.
VIX and Risk Sentiment — The Cboe Volatility Index hovered near 18 around midday, down a bit on the day, indicating only a modest level of equity market anxiety despite geopolitical risks and ongoing inflation concerns.
Popi’s UnSpun News 13May26 — BAY AREA & LOCAL
Livermore Weather — Forecasts for the Livermore area call for clear to mostly sunny skies, afternoon highs in the 70s, and overnight lows in the low to mid 50s, with little chance of rain and light winds.
Bay Area Homelessness Trend — New figures cited in recent Bay Area TV reporting indicate San Francisco’s homeless population has fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade, though city officials warn that tight budgets could slow further progress.
South Bay Park Hazard — A section of a Santa Clara park near Apple’s campus has been closed after suspicious pellets, initially feared to be rat poison and linked to a sick dog, were found on the grounds, prompting cleanup and testing by local authorities.
Regional May Weather Pattern — Broader May outlooks for Livermore and the Tri-Valley area show typical late spring conditions, with average highs in the low 80s and cool nights, and no major storm systems in the immediate forecast.
CLOSING NOTE on Popi’s UnSpun News 13May26
My thoughts: Days like this remind me that the headlines may be loud, but your job is to read past the noise and watch what leaders and markets actually do. The good news today is that your city’s homeless numbers are moving in the right direction, even if the work is far from finished.
Still looking for the good news. A lower homeless count in San Francisco is a small step in the right direction. That counts.
As always – be well, be alert, be informed. That is your Morning Report for Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Popi sends…
Look for Popi’s UnSpun News in your mailbox
…or…
Slide over here for a photo show instead
