Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Market Overview

Global markets showed mixed signals as tech stocks rebounded on positive AI chip outlooks, while oil prices retreated to pre-war levels amid easing geopolitical tensions and increased Gulf shipping flows, 101. US stock futures pointed higher after Micron Technology's strong quarterly forecast reignited optimism in the AI boom, even as some analysts warned of potential "bubble territory" in markets due to activity like SpaceX's bond sale. Defensive sectors are being eyed as a potential switch if the AI trade falters, according to Bank of America strategists.

Technology & AI

The artificial intelligence sector saw major developments, with Micron Technology's forecast crushing estimates, easing fears about AI chip demand and spurring a rebound in global tech stocks. Black Berry lifted its fiscal 2027 outlook, citing expanding opportunities with AI and growth in its embedded-software business. However, questions persist about why more companies are not adopting AI, with organizational barriers cited as a significant hurdle. Separately, Anthropic accused Alibaba of illicitly accessing its Claude chatbot, alleging the Chinese e-commerce giant used fake accounts to extract capabilities. Meta is accelerating plans to replace human content moderation with AI, while Google's parent Alphabet joined the Dow Jones Industrial Average, reflecting the market's increasing tech dominance.

Mergers & Acquisitions

The German M&A market is experiencing a strong year, with deals in engines and other sectors pushing the total past $120 billion. German drugmaker Merck is set to acquire US medical tools maker Bio-Techne for $11.3 billion, marking its largest acquisition in over a decade. Volkswagen is selling a 51% stake in its engine subsidiary Everllence to Bain Capital as part of a portfolio streamlining effort. In the UK, H.B. Fuller is nearing a £628 million deal for medical products maker Advanced Medical Solutions Group.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices continued to fall, retreating to levels seen before the Iran conflict as supply from the Strait of Hormuz increased following a US-Iran interim peace deal, 101. This easing of tensions prompted some economists to scale back expectations for European Central Bank interest rate hikes. Iraq, after initially suggesting it might leave OPEC over output quotas, walked back the threat, stating it was not considering leaving the organization. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is preparing to restart oil exports from the Ras Tanura terminal. Palm oil futures saw their biggest drop in over a month, tracking declines in crude and soy oil.

Fixed Income & Currencies

UK government bond returns climbed to a three-month high as falling oil prices offset political concerns. Hungary's bonds have rallied significantly, with yields approaching those of the UK, signaling investor confidence in the new government's economic plans. Japan's household assets rose 7.1% to ¥2,386 trillion ($14.7 at the end of March, the second-highest level on record. However, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's $2.3 trillion investment plan risks putting fresh pressure on Japan's government debt market. The Singapore dollar consolidated ahead of key U.S. economic data releases, while Philippine bonds experienced a rebound, though inflation risks and a hawkish central bank may limit the bounce.

Corporate Earnings & Outlooks

Winnebago cut its outlook amid declining sales, reporting a fiscal third-quarter profit of $14.5