Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: May 26, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

Energy & Commodities

Crude futures edged lower in Asian trade as traders weighed prospects of a U.S.-Iran agreement despite fresh hostilities in the Persian Gulf, while two additional supertankers exited the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours, adding to modest momentum in energy flows. Adnoc shipped another LNG cargo to India via the critical waterway, signaling continued confidence in maritime routes even as tensions persist. Natural gas futures dropped in thin trading ahead of options expiration, reversing earlier gains tied to increased domestic supplies flowing to liquefaction facilities. Base metals advanced broadly with copper climbing and aluminum tracking toward its highest close in four years, as cautious optimism about Middle East diplomacy offset concerns over elevated oil prices that are boosting inflation expectations and lifting superlong JGB yields.

Technology Equities & Semiconductors

Memory-chip stocks surged to send both SK Hynix and Micron above the $1 trillion market-cap threshold, extending a rally that has lifted the S&P 500 and Nasdaq on renewed AI-driven demand. Samsung Electronics' union approved a bonus-pay deal averaging $34,000 per worker, averting a strike at the world's largest memory-chip manufacturer that threatened global supply disruptions. Xiaomi posted another profit decline amid memory price inflation and stiff competition, contrasting with SQM's lithium guidance boost as the Chilean miner bets on robust battery storage demand keeping markets tightly supplied. U.S. semiconductor shares rose premarket following gains across AI-related names in Hong Kong and South Korea, while Wall Street's AI hunt led to Japan's Ajinomoto as investors seek beneficiaries beyond traditional tech high-flyers.

Fixed Income & Currency Markets

Treasury yields fell modestly as markets priced in potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though superlong JGB yields climbed on continued inflation expectations from elevated energy costs. The dollar held steady against the yen after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda refrained from signaling any policy shift at an international conference, while Stephen Jen warned of yen strengthening that could threaten carry trade positions. Citadel Securities cautioned the Fed risks falling behind the curve on rising consumer prices, contrasting with ECB's Philip Lane signaling higher inflation outlook as Iran conflict keeps energy prices elevated. Gold recouped losses in Asian trade, rebounding from prior session declines as Middle East tensions spurred safe-haven flows, though prices held below $2,340/oz as fresh Gulf clashes weighed on peace deal hopes.

Corporate Governance & Leadership

BP removed Chairman Albert Manifold citing serious governance concerns,