Markets 3h

Public Markets

Market Moves

Goldman Sachs warns equities are vulnerable to correction but not a bear market. Bitcoin climbed above $71,000 in a broad crypto advance. U.S. futures rebounded amid reports of secret Iranian outreach, while the dollar slumped the most in nearly a month following the same report.

Geopolitical Impacts

Citi suggests the 2011 Libya conflict offers a playbook for the S&P 500 amid current tensions in Iran. Asian stocks plunged as the region's economies depend on imported oil. Energy stocks may see their rally continue based on Ukraine lessons, while Middle East oil prices soared after Platts excluded Gulf loadings.

Tech & Earnings

Broadcom earnings are the latest attempt to climb the AI wall of fear as Wall Street expects strong results. Big tech faces pressure on Trump's energy pledge to shield consumers from higher bills. Investors want fuller disclosure on Big Tech's AI power deals, while Nvidia swears off an earnings crutch, pressuring other tech companies.

Energy & Commodities

EDP CEO says the energy shock from war is fueling clean power demand. Gulf disruptions may support aluminum prices in the near term. Indian urea producers are trimming output as the Iran war disrupts LNG flows. American frackers aren't rushing to pump more oil despite market chaos.

Economic Indicators

Euro-zone unemployment unexpectedly declined to a record low as economic expansion outpaces forecasts. The Iran conflict has spurred a rebound in U.S. borrowing costs. Ghana's inflation rate fell to a near three-decade low, boosting rate-cut hopes. Czech inflation unexpectedly slowed further in February.

Private Equity

Private Equity Deals

Searchlight-backed Roots has launched a strategic review that could lead to a sale of the Canadian clothing brand as shares trade near $2.35.

Funding Rounds

Eight Sleep has raised $50 million at a $1.5 billion valuation, its second round in a year's time, to expand into predictive, AI-driven health technology.

Market Trends

Tariffs have become the number one risk factor in private equity investment theses according to BC Partners' Nikos Stathopoulos as geopolitical impacts reshape deal-making.

AI Landscape

Startups are facing a wild dash to keep up with AI despite concerns about burnout risks, while some founders are advocating for turning down VC cash to build their AI companies.

Sector Investment

Infrastructure Investment

EIPA's Tim Whittaker is calling on regulators to force private market actors to do frequent, robust and independent valuations. The push for transparency aims to address concerns about infrastructure's defensive nature being undermined by valuation smoothing that downplays risk.

Real Estate Investment

The PERE Awards 2025 highlight the biggest achievements in private real estate equity over the past year, marking a shake-up among honorees following the awards' overhaul. Meanwhile, the PERE Asia Summit continues to showcase emerging opportunities in the region's real estate markets.