Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Public Markets Roundup

Energy & Commodities

Oil futures fluctuated narrowly as flows through the Strait of Hormuz persisted and OPEC+ signaled higher supplies. The cartel ratified a planned oil quota hike, with major members agreeing to another modest increase for August, raising the prospect of more supply hitting the market if a US-Iran peace pact materializes OPEC+ Ratifies Planned Oil. This decision weighed on crude prices, with oil falling 1.3% after OPEC+ announced a fifth consecutive output increase of about 188,000 barrels a day in August. Meanwhile, corn futures surged on damaging European heatwaves impacting crops in France, a key EU producer.

Equities & IPOs

The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. is preparing to market its $3 billion IPO as early as next week, signaling a significant listing for the world's largest derivatives exchange by volume. In India, electric scooter maker Ather Energy Ltd. is also planning a share sale to institutional investors, aiming to raise as much as $200 million Ather Energy Plans Share. China's largest ETF is now a gold fund, having overtaken the Huatai-Pine Bridge CSI 300 ETF, reflecting a retreat of state-backed support for the stock market China’s Biggest ETF. In Australia, Genesis Minerals Ltd. has launched a rival A$5.6 billion ($3.9 cash and stock bid for Vault Minerals Ltd., outbidding a previous merger agreement Genesis Minerals Makes Rival.

M&A and Corporate Activity

French defense group Thales plans to acquire Exail Technologies, agreeing to buy the Gorge family's combined 35.51% stake in a deal valuing the company at $4.46 billion including debt. UK budget airline Easy Jet Plc has agreed in principle to a takeover offer exceeding £5 billion from Castlelake LP, which had made multiple proposals EasyJet Agrees to Castlelake Offer. Castlelake's latest proposal stands at £6.90 a share, an increase from its previous £6.50 offer EasyJet Agrees Principle.

Currencies & Fixed Income

The yen is likely to weaken further due to extreme undervaluation, according to Goldman Sachs analysts who have cut their forecasts. The bank sees the yen depreciating to 165 per dollar in a year, driven by Japan’s interest rate differentials with the U.S. and favoring carry trades Goldman Cuts Yen Forecast. In South Korea, the won was steady on its first day of 24-hour trading, a move part of Seoul’s broader effort to achieve developed-market status from MSCI. However, lawmakers are raising alarms over the risks associated with single-stock leveraged ETFs, with some calling for their delisting Unease Over Korea Leveraged. Japanese government bonds fell in price amid concerns over fiscal policies, contrasting with a broader rally in U.S. Treasurys.

Private Markets & Investment

Institutional investors are committing billions to private credit funds despite market turmoil, with retail money fleeing the sector Big investors commit billions. However, Moody's warns that growth in private credit fundraising and deployment across the Asia Pacific region will slow over the next 12 to 18 months due to macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and elevated interest rates Moody’s Warns Asia-Pacific Private. Baillie Gifford is pursuing voluntary staff exits as part of a strategic refocus on areas like family offices and financial advisors in the U.S. and Asia Baillie Gifford pursues voluntary.

Global Economic Trends

South Korea's move to 24-hour won trading is part of a push for market liberalization and developed-market status Korea Starts 24-Hour Won. Australia's liquefied natural gas exporters are facing a backlash despite a sales windfall from the Middle East conflict, as domestic concerns grow over the industry's impact Australia Built a Gas. Pakistan has increased its LNG purchases as flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain constrained Pakistan Buys More LNG. U.S. beef exports to China are expected to pick up as rival countries exhaust their import quotas, with China renewing import licenses for U.S. meat plants US Beef Exports.

Technology & AI

The high costs of maintaining a leading position in artificial intelligence may challenge future IPOs for companies like OpenAI Anthropic. Samsung Electronics Co. is set to release results that could influence investor sentiment on chip stocks, particularly those tied to the AI trade Samsung High-Stakes Results. SK Hynix Inc. is pursuing a significant $29 billion U.S. stock-market listing, aiming to compete in the AI space and potentially be the largest-ever first-time share sale by a foreign company SK Hynix Seeks Access. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. is investing in a New Zealand firm to develop graphite from wood byproducts for use in lithium batteries CATL Invests in New.

Luxury Goods & Collectibles

The vintage watch market is seeing unprecedented activity, with the Cartier Crash model now fetching $2 million at auction The Cartier Crash becomes. High jewelry sales are buoyant, driven by asset-rich buyers, rising gold prices, and new product launches, enhancing the category's investment perception High jewellery boosts desirability. Collectors are increasingly seeking rare historical timepieces over status symbols, driving up auction prices discovery’ drives up watch. Jewellers are also seeing a rise in demand for medallions as symbols of personal meaning in a turbulent world How medallions came symbolise.

Infrastructure & Industrials

A trucking startup, Windrose Technology, faces questions from former employees regarding missing paychecks and a lack of trucks, casting doubt on its future A Trucking Startup Aims. Data centers are presenting a critical test for U.S. industrial resolve, with concerns that the nation could repeat past mistakes that ceded dominance in rare-earth minerals to China Data centres crucial test. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' chief warns that converting car plants to produce military drones could be an "enormous waste" of taxpayer money make military drones will.

Metals & Mining

Iron ore prices rose due to expanded curbs by China's state-backed buyer on Australian miner Fortescue Ltd., and a recent price slump attracting buyers Iron Ore Rises. Copper and aluminum advanced, supported by fading expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike Copper Aluminum Advance.

Geopolitical & Economic Factors

The war in Ukraine continues to impact Asia's loan market, suppressing lender confidence and showing little sign of rebound Bankers Say Asia Loan. The U.S. bond market is bracing for tests of investor demand, with auctions of 10- and 30-year Treasuries scheduled amidst a light economic calendar Bond Traders Watch. The yen's weakness is expected to persist if the macroeconomic backdrop doesn't change, according to Goldman Sachs analysts More Yen Weakness Come.

Other Markets

The U.S. regulator's shift from individual audit checks towards firm-wide quality controls carries the risk of obscuring audit flaws US regulator’s change tack. The UK regulator has warned of an "arms race" to keep pace with AI use in financial services, advocating for expanded watchdog powers UK regulator warns. Santa Monica is beginning to recover from a period of "fiscal distress," marked by financial challenges, declining tourism, and a subdued retail sector California Coast, a Picture-Perfect.