Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Markets & Economy

Treasury yields eased on Tuesday as a closely watched inflation gauge rose less than anticipated, potentially dampening expectations for aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes. The dollar climbed to its highest level since November against a basket of currencies as traders priced in a higher likelihood of a Fed rate increase this year. Meanwhile, a sharp drop in oil prices to pre-war levels, driven by progress in Middle East peace talks and increased Gulf flows through the Strait of Hormuz, has prompted some economists to scale back forecasts for European Central Bank interest-rate increases. UK government bonds saw returns climb to a three-month high as tumbling oil prices offset concerns about political uncertainty.

Technology & AI

Micron Technology Inc.'s strong quarterly sales forecast of $29 billion has bolstered confidence in artificial intelligence-related chip demand, sending US tech stocks rallying. The memory-chip maker’s outlook eased investor fears following a market sell-off earlier in the week. Apple Inc. has raised prices on Macs, iPads, and other devices by up to 20% or $200 on some models, citing memory chip shortages exacerbated by the AI boom and higher costs for memory chips. Black Berry has lifted its fiscal 2027 outlook driven by embedded-software growth and expanding opportunities with artificial intelligence.

Corporate News & Deals

Germany's Merck KGaA is acquiring US medical tools maker Bio-Techne for $11.3 billion, marking the German group's largest acquisition in over a decade. The offer of $73 per share represents a 24% premium to Bio-Techne's closing price. In the private credit sector, a flagship Ares fund has capped redemptions amid an accelerating retail investor exodus, with 14% of withdrawal requests being made. Wealth advisers are concerned that investors in a private-credit fund focused on consumer and small-business debt may not see their money for years.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices retreated to pre-war levels as supply trapped in the Persian Gulf began flowing again following a US-Iran peace deal. Saudi Arabia is preparing to restart crude loading at the Ras Tanura terminal. Iraq is not considering leaving OPEC, its oil ministry stated, after earlier suggesting it was a possibility due to output limits. Qatar has joined other Gulf nations in reviving crude sales to Asia, with regional producers increasing activity. Japanese liquefied natural gas stocks are expected to benefit from rebuilding war-damaged energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf and diversification efforts. US natural gas futures rose on expectations of increased cooling demand due to warmer weather forecasts.

Geopolitics & International Relations

Tehran has challenged the International Maritime Organization's evacuation route, with at least four vessels changing course in the Strait of Hormuz. The US-Iran peace deal has led to insurers slashing war premiums for ships in the Strait of Hormuz by more than half. Lesson learned from the Iran war: reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz through increased stockpiles and pipelines. Russia has received an oil windfall amid the ongoing Iran war.

Legal & Regulatory

The Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit alleging Roundup weedkiller caused cancer, a decision that will likely shape thousands of similar lawsuits against Bayer. Justices overturned a verdict in a case alleging the manufacturer failed to warn on the herbicide's alleged cancer risks. Meta Platforms is being sued by a former policy executive, Sarah Wynn-Williams, over alleged attempts to prevent her from discussing her book. CACEIS UK, a sub-custodian bank for the collapsed wealth manager Wealth Tek, has agreed to pay £32 million to clients.

Politics & Policy

President Trump has pushed to rescind Temporary Protected Status for individuals from countries facing humanitarian crises. The Supreme Court has allowed Trump to block asylum seekers at the border. The Trump administration has also demanded that Iraqi leaders distance themselves from Iran and rein in Iran-linked militias. A right-wing election victory in Colombia was influenced by Trump's endorsement.

Labor & Employment

Corporate recruiters forecast lower starting salaries and AI disruption for MBA graduates, with demand for the degree potentially declining. A coalition of employers and state governments is developing a strategy to help American workers adapt to AI-driven career changes. OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon, and Microsoft have joined an initiative to help workers transition in the age of AI.

Automotive & Transportation

Budget carrier Ryanair has scrapped family seating fees after a regulatory probe, allowing families to opt for random allocation of free seats together. Tesla has notched a twofold increase in European monthly sales, rebuilding strength against rising Chinese competition. Hertz Global Holdings shares tumbled the most in two years after the car renter warned of lower-than-expected profits and announced share offerings.

Financial Institutions

JPMorgan Chase has named Doug Petno and Troy Rohrbaugh as co-presidents, laying groundwork for succession planning as CEO Jamie Dimon enters his third decade. Marianne Lake, another potential successor, is leaving the bank. Commerzbank stated that a small portion of its institutional investors have accepted UniCredit’s takeover offer. Switzerland’s capital plan for UBS, requiring significantly more capital, has received strong backing from the IMF.

Other Markets

Shares of Wendy's Co. are poised to extend their advance as meme-stock investors continue to drive the burger chain's stock higher. Bitcoin hit a 20-month low, falling below $60,000 as retail investors shift towards AI-related stock bets. H.B. Fuller Co. is nearing a deal to acquire UK medtech AMS for £628 million ($827 million).