Public Markets 3d Briefing
×Public Markets
The S&P500 bloomberg.com dropped 1.2% in its worst week since June, marking a significant shift in investor sentiment. Entrata bloomberg.com is working with Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan on an IPO, signaling continued momentum in the private equity-backed public markets. The FTSE 100 closed near a record high bloomberg.com, buoyed by strong UK corporate earnings and positive economic data, though volatility remains a concern. Hong Kong Exchange ft.com reported record profits, driven by a surge in Chinese listings and trading activity, highlighting the city's resilience as an IPO hub.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Francisco Partners bloomberg.com completed a $2.2 billion take-private of Jamf, a significant move in the tech sector. Entrata ft.com is advancing its IPO plans with backing from major banks, including Goldman Sachs. Blackstone bloomberg.com is positioning Liftoff Mobile for an IPO, aiming to capitalize on the growing fintech sector. JPMorgan Chase investing.com is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire a stake in the US fintech startup Fin Tech investing.com, though terms remain undisclosed. Axon ft.com is exploring a potential sale, with Blackstone ft.com among the firms showing interest.
Corporate Earnings
Allianz wsj.com delivered record operating profit for 2025, driven by strong performance across its key divisions. AXA wsj.com reported a 24% increase in net profit for 2025, fueled by top-line growth and the sale of AXA Investment Managers to BNP Paribas. Prysmian investing.com posted mixed fourth-quarter results, though it maintained 2026 guidance. Qantas Airways bloomberg.com saw shares slide despite reporting record earnings, reflecting broader market caution. Shell bloomberg.com is in advanced talks to sell a minority stake in its North Sea gas assets to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. bloomberg.com.
Macro & Policy
Japan bloomberg.com may intervene to buy yen as speculation mounts, while Ecuador ft.com eyes a $4 billion bond sale. The UK government expects to sell £247 billion in gilts this fiscal year, marking the first decline in four years. EU states ft.com are clashing over industrial subsidies, with the steel industry furious at being excluded from ‘Made in Europe’ rules. UK house prices ft.com show signs of bunching near mansion tax thresholds, as buyers and sellers become more aware of the thresholds.
Technology & Innovation
Tech groups ft.com are increasingly turning to chip-backed loans to fund the AI arms race, attracted by high yields. PayPal ft.com’s share price plunge has made it a tempting takeover target, with Stripe ft.com reportedly taking a preliminary look. Nvidia finance.yahoo.com received a US license for a small amount of H200 chip exports to China, a critical move in the ongoing tech trade war. AI start-ups ft.com are cutting red tape to speed up tasks, with consultants moving to create software companies to automate repetitive work.
Financial Markets
Chinese stocks investing.com rebounded on tariff relief hopes and Lunar New Year spending, while the yuan investing.com extended its advance against the dollar. Oil prices investing.com remained steady ahead of US-Iran nuclear talks, though EIA data investing.com showed a hefty stock build. Indonesia bloomberg.com pulled off its biggest global bond sale since 2017, overcoming credit rating threats. Bond yields wsj.com edged lower as markets awaited US-Iran talks, while UK gilts ft.com saw issuance forecasts fall for the first time in four years.
Regional Developments
Hong Kong’s stock exchange bloomberg.com posted a 15% gain in net income, reflecting the city’s rebound as an IPO hub. Thailand ft.com raised $4.5 billion to counter fiscal health concerns. Japan ft.com is the ultimate “Halo trade,” with investors seeing renewed value in once-unthinkable assets. Goldman Sachs finance.yahoo.com sees asset-heavy stocks outperforming on AI fears, while Morgan Stanley ft.com notes the yen’s safe-haven appeal.
Earnings & Guidance
Entrata investing.com reported stronger-than-expected first-half earnings, driven by domestic demand and fleet renewal. Lynas investing.com saw shares surge on strong half-year earnings, bolstered by high demand for rare earths. HSBC investing.com beat FY25 profit forecasts, with its 2026 net investment income target above the street. Standard Chartered wsj.com posted a stronger-than-expected profit, announcing a $1.5 billion buyback. Axon investing.com is exploring a potential sale, with Blackstone bloomberg.com among the firms showing interest.
Market Sentiment & Trends
Tech stocks bloomberg.com powered gains after an AI-fueled selloff, while AI doomers ft.com aren’t done yet. Qantas bloomberg.com shares fell as returns from overseas flights shrank, despite record earnings. Lithium prices bloomberg.com jumped after Zimbabwe banned concentrate exports, fueling fears of tighter global supplies. Shell bloomberg.com is in talks to sell a minority stake in its North Sea assets, while Marks & Spencer bloomberg.com exits the Philippines retail market after four decades.
Corporate Actions & Risks
Amazon investing.com’s $50 billion OpenAI investment is tied to an IPO or AGI milestone, according to reports. Ford ft.com is betting on large, high-margin vehicles to recover profits, though Chinese rivals may exploit a gap. Volkswagen ft.com aims to launch driverless taxis in Europe next year. UK pension funds bloomberg.com face pressure as inflation expectations rise. Bof A investing.com upgraded Smucker but cut General Mills on a slower recovery outlook.
Geopolitics & Markets
US-Iran talks bloomberg.com are a key focus, with oil prices steady ahead of negotiations. China finance.yahoo.com says it has met US trade obligations and warns against more tariffs. Russia bloomberg.com claims Ukraine struck a nitrogen plant, killing seven. Iran ft.com is offering a ‘commercial bonanza’ to US companies. Trump yahoo.com said Muslim lawmakers Omar and Tlaib should be removed from Congress.
Regulatory & Legal
EU industrial subsidies ft.com are causing clashes, while UK energy bills bloomberg.com are set to fall 7% in April. UK pension fundsREF: