Public Markets 3d Briefing
×Markets & Deals
The S&P 500 dropped 1.2% in its worst week since June, while Bitcoin recovered above $67,000 investing.com as markets digested the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei. Victory Capital ft.com sparked a bidding war with an offer for Janus Henderson, aiming to trump an agreed deal led by Trian Fund Management. Blackstone ft.com is positioning Liftoff Mobile for an IPO, while Entrata ft.com works with Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan on an IPO. Francisco Partners completed a $2.2 billion take-private of Jamf. Berkshire Hathaway wsj.com named Greg Abel as its new CEO, succeeding Warren Buffett.
Macro & Policy
Japan may intervene to buy yen investing.com amid speculation, while Ecuador eyes a $4B bond sale. Italy sets up a fight with Brussels over carbon costs, seeking to lower electricity prices by reimbursing gas plants for EU emissions permits. The US not planning to tap its strategic reserve as Iran war risks oil surge, according to Financial Times Companies ft.com. Ecuador bloomberg.com is eyeing a $4B bond sale return, while Iran Crisis Threatens Worst Disruption in Gas Markets Since 2022 bloomberg.com, with the Middle East conflict creating the most significant disruption since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Geopolitics & Conflict
Dubai missile strike forces the world’s busiest airport to halt all flights, while Japanese shipping giants pull back as Strait of Hormuz 'practically closes' investing.com. Iran is now on ‘death ground’ amid existential threat from US attacks yahoo.com, with former NATO commander warning Tehran could ‘go big’ in retaliation. Iran Attack Is 'Nightmare Scenario' For Gulf Countries bloomberg.com, as missiles stun peaceful Gulf cities. US Job Growth Seen Moderating After Robust January bloomberg.com amid the conflict.
Corporate & Economic News
Japan’s Shipping Companies Suspend Operations in Persian Gulf as the military conflict escalates. Private Credit Stocks Signal More Pain Is Coming bloomberg.com, with falling income and loan markdowns affecting funds. AI adoption in fashion is moving faster than the market realizes investing.com, per UBS. The Big Bet on European Defense Stocks Is Getting Expensive wsj.com, with more military spending likely meaning more political interference. UK must restore ‘dynamism’ in labour market ft.com, says Tony Blair Institute, advocating easier firing of high earners and lower minimum wage. China may trim 2026 growth target investing.com, keeping policy supportive. Korea Export Momentum Continues, Easing Monetary Policy Pressure bloomberg.com, with semiconductor demand cushioning the economy.
Market Reactions
Market analysts react to US-Israel strikes on Iran finance.yahoo.com, while Bitcoin recovers above $67,000. AI adoption in fashion is moving faster than the market realizes, per UBS. AI presents more of an opportunity than a threat for cyber stocks investing.com, according to analysts. Strategists see only temporary market impact from Iran strikes investing.com, with the S&P 500 falling 1.2% but tech stocks like Nvidia facing muted responses despite blockbuster results. The S&P 500 fell 1.2% marking its first two-week loss since June.