Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 5:32 PM ET

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices climbed 1.2% in London trading as U.S.-Iran peace talks showed incremental progress, while U.S. shale drilling accelerated with the rig count rising by the most in over four years. The dollar stalled near multi-week highs as risk sentiment improved, and base metals rallied with copper advancing alongside optimism for Middle East de-escalation. Meanwhile, Total Energies explores selling up to 50% stakes in European renewable assets as the French major seeks partners for its green transition amid volatile energy markets.

Technology & IPO Markets

SpaceX targets Friday for its updated Starship launch attempt pending tower repairs, as anticipation builds for what could be a record-breaking IPO that Bank of America warns may create bubble-like concentration in equity benchmarks. Uber weighs a full takeover of Germany's Delivery Hero to better compete with Door Dash internationally, while Waymo suspended operations in six cities after autonomous vehicles encountered flooded roads in Atlanta. In China, regulators penalized Futu and Tiger Brokers for operating without licenses in the latest cross-border trading crackdown that triggered a record plunge in options volumes.

Corporate M&A Activity

Apollo Global Management made a £1.52 billion ($2.04 takeover proposal for heat treatment firm Bodycote, sending shares sharply higher after the FTSE 250 company confirmed preliminary discussions. Everlane finalized its sale to Shein, shocking customers of the transparency-focused retailer that became the latest millennial brand absorbed by the ultra-low-price fast-fashion giant. BrewDog co-founder James Watt launched a "Second Best" beer brand to win back "equity punk" shareholders who lost out in his previous venture's controversial restructuring.

Banking & Financial Services

The SEC delayed plans for tokenized stock trading and postponed prediction market ETFs from Roundhill, Granite Shares and Bitwise, dealing a setback to upstart issuers who had raced to wrap election bets into tickers. Bond traders fully price in an interest rate hike this year under incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, while European Central Bank officials see a solid case for June tightening amid energy price surges from the Iran conflict. Germany confirmed a €several billion acquisition of 40% stake in tankmaker KNDS ahead of its planned summer IPO.

Geopolitical Risk & Policy

Regional mediators rushed to prevent escalation as Pakistan and Qatar dispatched teams to Tehran amid stalled U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations, with the first oil tanker preparing to transit the Strait of Hormuz since hostilities began. House Republicans opened an investigation into prediction market insider trading at Kalshi and Polymarket, while Google appealed a landmark antitrust ruling that declared the company a monopolist in search and required data sharing with rivals. China imposed new export controls on fentanyl-related chemicals to the U.S., Mexico and Canada in a sign of cooperation on drug trafficking.

Consumer & Retail

BJ's Wholesale reported higher fiscal first-quarter revenue as inflation-weary consumers continued flocking to warehouse clubs for value, while 1-800-Flowers shifted strategy toward brand investment after over-relying on paid advertising amid intensifying online floral competition. Walmart underwent executive departures including Sam's Club COO Tom Ward and U.S. stores head Cedric Clark in a major reshuffling under new CEO Suresh Kumar. Ethan Allen tested