Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: May 15, 2026, 2:33 PM ET

Equities & Market Sentiment

Global equity markets faced renewed pressure as yield pressures intensified following the 30-year Treasury approaching its highest levels since 2007, with Korean stocks tumbling as foreign investors continued exiting what had been the world's hottest equity market. The S&P 500's rally confronted mounting inflation concerns despite strong corporate earnings, while emerging market stocks posted their steepest decline in over a month as oil prices surged and geopolitical tensions rattled investor confidence. Meanwhile, Syensqo shares jumped after the specialty chemicals group reported better-than-expected adjusted earnings, with underlying EBITDA rising 6% sequentially driven by its polymers and composite materials businesses.

Fixed Income & Credit Markets

Bond markets experienced widespread selloffs as Treasuries led global yields higher on persistent inflation anxieties, with corporate bonds gaining favor over sovereign debt as investors sought higher yields amid robust blue-chip earnings. Fidelity International's inflation bet paid off as portfolio manager Mike Riddell's contrarian positioning proved prescient, while bond futures faced disruption risks from rapid hedging overhauls as rising yields forced position adjustments. The G-7 finance chiefs prepared to discuss multi-decade high yields threatening government financing costs, and Japan's producer prices jumped by the most since 2014, bolstering the Bank of Japan's case for rate hikes.

Commodities & Currencies

Precious metals showed divergent moves as silver collapsed below $80 during a rollercoaster week of extreme volatility, while gold prices rose on strong physical demand amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Copper extended its retreat from record highs as accelerating U.S. inflation reduced rate cut expectations, and oil prices climbed toward $107 per barrel as hopes for Middle East de-escalation faded following Trump's inconclusive talks with Xi. The dollar index rose 0.3% for a fourth consecutive session, heading for its best week since March as Fed hike expectations mounted, while curious yen spikes had traders questioning whether Japanese authorities were sending warning shots about intervention.

Corporate Developments & Capital Markets

Starbucks announced a $400 million restructuring charge while laying off 300 corporate workers and closing regional offices as part of its turnaround strategy, contrasting with Anthropic's $30 billion fundraising push that underscored AI labs absorbing the majority of venture capital funding. Goldman Sachs floated a significant risk transfer deal tied to private market loans as institutional investors sought yield in alternative assets, while HSBC paused its $4 billion private credit expansion amid shifting market dynamics. SpaceX's IPO terms locked in Elon Musk's control through a $1.75 trillion valuation and Mars-linked compensation, and LVMH agreed to sell Marc Jacobs to WHP in the latest brand divestiture by the luxury conglomerate.

Geopolitical Developments & Trade

The Trump-Xi summit concluded with limited breakthroughs on trade disputes, though China began fulfilling agricultural purchase promises as state negotiators confirmed expanded farm commodity commitments. Trump's discussion of U.S. arms sales with Xi potentially tested longstanding Taiwan assurances, while U.S. and Chinese officials agreed to begin AI safety talks amid growing concerns about artificial intelligence threats. Boeing shares slid after Trump's China announcements disappointed investors, despite the president's claims of expanded aircraft purchases, and Nvidia's China future remained unclear as Chinese firms increasingly turned to domestic chipmakers like Huawei.

M&A & Strategic Transactions

Advent International sought to sell €1.5 billion of its InPost buyout loan to banks ahead of broader institutional marketing, while Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Energy joined BlackRock in backing a $13 billion Louisiana LNG project as Middle East supply disruptions accelerated investment in alternative energy infrastructure. Softcat's finance chief bought shares ahead of an anticipated AI-driven boost to cybersecurity demand, and Ovo founder Stephen Fitzpatrick lined up a £30 million payout from brand royalty fees ahead of Eon's acquisition of the retail energy business.