Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: June 22, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Global Markets Overview

Asian stocks were poised for a positive open as oil prices largely held steady after recent losses, with investors closely monitoring developments in U.S.-Iran peace talks Asian stocks poised for gains. South Korean stocks, however, tumbled more than 4% from their record high, driven by a selloff in chip-heavyweights amid renewed concerns that the rally had become overextended Korean stocks fall. In currency markets, the yen consolidated against major currencies, with the risk of FX intervention rising as Japanese officials reaffirmed their readiness to support the currency Yen consolidates. The U.S. and Japan have found more alignment on foreign exchange matters following talks between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, though the yen saw only a brief boost US-Japan aligned on FX.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices edged higher as traders weighed the outlook for U.S.-Iran talks, with conflicting signals emerging from the negotiations Oil prices rise. Hedge funds had significantly boosted bearish bets on U.S. crude ahead of a potential U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, anticipating that a preliminary peace deal would increase Middle East oil flows Hedge funds bearish on oil. Despite early progress flagged in peace talks, gold prices steadied, reflecting a complex market sentiment Gold steadies. The U.S. temporarily lifted oil sanctions on Iran, citing “productive” talks and progress on Iran’s nuclear program, though Tehran maintained that no new commitments were made US eases sanctions on Iran. The easing of U.S. sanctions has opened a brief window for Iran to export crude, with Iranian oil flooding back onto the global market after a 35-year absence US sanctions eased. Iran had shipped 30 million barrels of oil in the week prior to the U.S. waiver, and the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz is now at its fastest pace since the conflict began, with over 400 ships waiting near the strait for full reopening Iran shipped oil. Nevertheless, oil futures later dropped after Iran was cleared to sell crude in dollars Oil prices drop.

Technology & AI

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) has launched a new sodium battery storage system, with deliveries to China expected to commence in September CATL debuts battery storage. Chinese lithium futures have shed approximately 9% over two days due to unconfirmed speculation regarding the restart of one of the world's largest mines for the battery metal Lithium futures plunge. SK Hynix has surpassed Samsung Electronics to become South Korea's most valuable company, propelled by the AI-driven chip boom SK Hynix tops Samsung. Qualcomm Inc. is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire AI chip startup Modular Inc. for approximately $4 billion Qualcomm nears AI chip deal. In other AI developments, Google is investing around $75 million into the studio A24 as part of an artificial intelligence research partnership Google invests in A24. Artificial intelligence programs are also demonstrating their diagnostic capabilities, with one program capable of spotting patterns in electrocardiograms that human doctors might miss, and it will be made widely available for free AI flags heart problem. The economic impact of AI is less concerning than consumers' fear-based reactions to it, according to one analysis AI doomscrolling bad.

Corporate & Dealmaking

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., the owner of Circle K, reported a surge in fuel profits due to higher margins, which offset soft demand in the U.S. and Europe Circle K owner profits surge. The company's overall profit rose in the fourth quarter, with same-store sales growth and increased fuel margins compensating for lower fuel volumes Alimentation Couche-Tard profit up. SpaceX shares fell for a third consecutive day, erasing approximately $600 billion in market value following reports of its debut high-grade bond sale, which is expected to be the start of significant borrowing to fund its AI ambitions SpaceX sheds market value. The company is marketing investment-grade bonds for the first time, with bankers initiating marketing for its debut sale SpaceX bond sale marketing. SpaceX has also struck a $6 billion deal with AI startup Reflection AI for data-center space SpaceX data-center deal. Reverence Capital is set to invest in accounting firm Eide Bailly in a deal valued at $1.8 billion, signaling continued private equity interest in the professional services sector Eide Bailly stake sale. Private equity firm Yellow Wood Partners made an unsolicited takeover offer for Schick razor maker Edgewell Personal Care Co., which the latter has rejected Schick maker rejects offer. CRH Plc has agreed to acquire U.S. construction services company Arcosa for $8.5 billion, marking a record deal for the Irish building materials provider CRH to buy Arcosa.

Finance & Investment

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking public input on perpetual contracts and 24/7 trading for traditional energy derivatives, following concerns raised by industry heavyweights CFTC seeks input on futures. The approval of perpetual futures has triggered a selloff in U.S. exchanges' shares and at least one lawsuit Perp futures shaking up Wall Street. Apollo's flagship private credit fund faced significant redemption requests, meeting less than a third of them as an investor exodus accelerates Apollo fund redemption requests. Michael Saylor’s Strategy Inc. purchased an additional $39.4 million of Bitcoin, again using common stock to fund the cryptocurrency acquisition Saylor buys Bitcoin. Venezuela's bonds tumbled to a two-month low as investors braced for an assessment of the nation's debt burden and economic outlook Venezuelan bonds tumble. Brazil is working to calm markets after a confusing central bank decision, canceling a domestic bond auction and injecting liquidity into the system Brazil calms markets.

Executive Compensation & Market Trends

Executive pay packages are reaching new highs, with Welltower's CFO Tim McHugh receiving a $167 million compensation package, surpassing the Tesla CFO's $139 million in 2024 Welltower CFO pay record. "Moonshot" deals have propelled CEO compensation to record levels according to WSJ's annual ranking Top-paid CEOs smash paydays. Exchange-traded funds are attracting record inflows of $1 trillion, despite persistent inflation, war, and market volatility, indicating strong household investment ETFs see trillion-dollar inflow.

Legal & Regulatory

A federal judge ruled that the Agriculture Department lacked the authority to approve state waivers restricting SNAP participants' purchases of sugary drinks and candy Judge blocks SNAP bans. The U.S. Department of Justice has ceased criminal prosecutions of individuals who install "defeat devices" that enhance diesel truck performance but increase emissions Justice Dept. eases pollution rules. A federal judge quashed subpoenas issued by the Justice Department to Minnesota officials, ruling they were intended to harass and retaliate against Democratic officials who opposed the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies Judge finds DOJ overreach. A federal judge also ruled that a citizenship data tool could not be used by states to screen voters, finding that the Trump administration's provision of federal data violated laws prohibiting its disclosure Judge rules on citizenship data tool.

Labor & Employment

The primary reason bosses want employees back in the office full-time is not productivity, but rather their own preferences Bosses want workers back. There is alarm at every new technology, but it is rarely warranted, according to an opinion piece on unionizing candle makers Unionize candle makers opinion.

International Relations & Geopolitics

Vice President JD Vance described weekend talks with Iran as "very, very good," as both sides aim for a peace deal within two months to formally end a war that has impacted global markets Vance hails Iran talks. The U.S. waiver on Iranian oil sanctions provides a brief window for imports, marking the first time in 35 years that Iranian crude can enter the U.S. market Iran oil imports resume. Ukraine is escalating attacks in Crimea, creating a new pressure point for Russia by increasing its air campaign to isolate the annexed peninsula Ukraine escalates Crimea attacks. Thousands are fleeing Ukraine's Donbas strongholds as Russian forces advance, with cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk facing intense bombardment Thousands flee Donbas. Cuba's schools are facing disruptions due to a crippling fuel shortage, exacerbated by U.S. oil blockade measures Cuba fuel crisis.

Infrastructure & Energy

The UK's winter power supply is expected to remain secure despite potential disruptions to energy markets stemming from the Iran conflict, according to the National Energy System Operator UK power supply secure. Germany's RWE plans a $4.75 billion capital raise to increase its stake in Amprion RWE plans capital raise. A fire at a cold storage warehouse near downtown Los Angeles continued to emit fumes across Southern California for a fifth day, prompting emergency declarations due to poor air quality LA warehouse fire smoke. U.S. natural gas futures gained on the July weather outlook, with hotter forecasts increasing expected cooling demand, although rising production tempered the gains US natural gas futures gain. Uzbekistan is actively seeking more investment from European and U.S. energy companies in its natural gas sector, following a recent investment deal with BP Plc Uzbekistan seeks gas investors.