Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Markets & Deals
The S&P 500 bloomberg.com fell 1.2% marking its first two-week loss since June, reflecting broader risk aversion. Entrata bloomberg.com is working with Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan on an IPO, signaling continued private equity activity despite market volatility. The conflict in Iran has also spurred strategic moves, with Singapore's ICTSI bloomberg.com seeking acquisitions and expansion in Africa and Latin America despite regional turmoil. Meanwhile, Deutsche Lufthansa wsj.com reported in-line earnings, buoyed by increased passenger numbers and cost management.
Macro & Policy
Japan may intervene to buy yen bloomberg.com amid speculation, while Ecuador bloomberg.com eyes a $4B bond sale. The Philippine Central Bank warns $100 oil could push inflation beyond its 2%-4% target, highlighting the conflict's global economic ripple effects. Emerging markets bloomberg.com equities and currencies face their worst weekly decline since the pandemic, as overseas investors pull capital. Qatar bloomberg.com offers LNG tankers for lease after its export plant shutdown, exacerbating supply concerns.
Corporate Moves
Lufthansa carried 135 million passengers last year, up 3% from 2024, and expects further earnings growth. Pfizer bloomberg.com secured China approval for an obesity drug, intensifying competition as generics loom. Trump administration officials bloomberg.com rule out Treasury oil futures trades to manage prices, while SoftBank investing.com seeks a $40B loan to fund its OpenAI investment. Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are positioned to advise on major deals, including the Entrata IPO.
Geopolitical Impact
The Strait of Hormuz bloomberg.com shipping halts disrupt global oil flows, pushing power prices ft.com in Europe to surge 20-fold. Qatar and Turkey bloomberg.com have spent billions defending their currencies amid war-fueled volatility. Iran's attacks target Gulf states, with UAE ft.com flights suspended and Gulf assets ft.com under scrutiny. India bloomberg.com faces security and diplomatic challenges from the conflict's escalation.
Economic Risks
Ambani's Jio IPO bloomberg.com faces delays due to regulatory limbo, while Comet Holding investing.com slashes its 2025 dividend by two-thirds. Bitcoin investing.com fell to $70k amid the conflict but is set for a weekly rebound. Central bankers ft.com warn geopolitical shocks intensify debt and inflation risks, with IMF bloomberg.com noting a 10% oil rise adds 40bps to inflation. Emerging currencies bloomberg.com suffer their worst week since 2020.
Corporate Developments
Lufthansa and Deutsche Lufthansa are distinct entities, with the former reporting strong passenger growth. Pfizer and SoftBank drive innovation, while Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs advise on high-profile transactions. Qatar and Turkey demonstrate resilience amid turmoil, contrasting with Singapore's strategic expansion.