Public Markets 3d Briefing
×Market Moves
The S&P 500 bloomberg.com dropped 1.2% in its worst week since June, reflecting persistent uncertainty. Hedge funds’ net sales of global stocks reached the fastest pace since the tariff meltdown of early April 2025, according to Goldman Sachs. Entrata wsj.com is working with Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan on an IPO, signaling continued private equity interest in public market exits. Domino’s Pizza logged higher revenue in its fourth quarter as same-store sales rose in the U.S., boosted by growth across both company-owned and franchise stores. Uber ft.com launched an autonomous vehicles services venture in a robotaxi push, aiming to commercialize AV technology.
Macro & Policy
Japan may intervene to buy yen investing.com amid speculation, as the yen weakened against the dollar. President Donald Trump’s threat of using trade licenses to charge foreign countries after the Supreme Court struck down his global tariff program remains a key policy risk. Ecuador ft.com is eyeing a $4B bond sale return, signaling renewed appetite for sovereign debt. The U.S. Treasury’s tariff refund process is reportedly "lengthy and challenging," according to Raymond James. Trump’s big speech bloomberg.com will be delivered to a changed nation and a Congress he has sidelined, adding to market volatility.
Deals & Corporate Activity
Francisco Partners completed a $2.2 billion take-private of Jamf, highlighting private equity activity. KKR & Co. agreed to buy a majority stake in XCL Education Holdings Pte in a $1.3 billion deal, expanding its portfolio. Loblaw wsj.com laid out a $1.75 billion investment plan to build dozens of new stores and renovate locations, focusing on value banners. Uber’s new autonomous venture represents a significant push into the robotaxi market, aiming to accelerate commercialization. Citi investing.com remains bullish on stocks amid strong Q4 results, contrasting with broader market caution.
Tech & Innovation
Uber launched an autonomous vehicles services venture, marking a major step in its robotaxi push. Amazon wsj.com and Google investing.com are among tech stocks highlighted for AI resilience, with Wells Fargo citing Amazon’s widening AI capacity lead. Meta wsj.com raked in cash but continues borrowing billions for AI, underscoring the sector’s capital intensity. Apple investing.com is singled out by Evercore for resilient business models in the AI era, alongside other software leaders.
Market Sentiment & Risk
Bof A investing.com warned that CTA unwind risk remains elevated despite recent gains, cautioning against complacency. Goldman Sachs bloomberg.com noted hedge funds’ net sales of global stocks hit the fastest pace since April 2025. Morgan Stanley bloomberg.com’s Adams suggested the Swiss franc could surge 17% to the dollar amid U.S. policy uncertainty. Fed Governor Waller bloomberg.com indicated his March rate decision hinges on upcoming labor-market data, keeping rates on hold. Gold ft.com entered a "storybook stage" as its price surged beyond fundamental support levels.
Corporate Performance
AMC Entertainment narrowed its loss in the fourth quarter and expressed optimism for 2026, citing a strong slate of upcoming films. Novo Nordisk ft.com shares plunged after obesity drug trial results fell short of rivals, highlighting risks in the biotech sector. Estée Lauder bloomberg.com is open to acquisitions to help rebuild profitability under CEO Stéphane de La Faverie. Enel investing.com jumped after announcing a €53 billion investment plan focused on renewables, signaling strong investor confidence in green energy.