Public Markets 3h Briefing

Last updated: March 29, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Geopolitics & Government Spending

The U.S. military footprint nytimes.com in the Middle East has expanded, with approximately 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors arriving recently, raising the total troop count in the region to about 10,000 above standard levels amid persistent regional tensions. Separately, the White House’s border czar indicated that ICE agents may continue nytimes.com deployment at airports even after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel resume receiving pay on Monday, signaling ongoing staffing concerns at key entry points. Furthermore, the Canadian political sphere is preparing for a left-wing leadership contest nytimes.com as the New Democrats selected Avi Lewis, heir to a political dynasty, aiming to regain ground lost to the Liberals.

Corporate Finance & Private Equity

Apollo Global Management ft.com is planning its second major corporate headquarters outside of New York, scouting locations in southern U.S. states to accommodate continued expansion in its private capital operations. This move by the major alternative asset manager comes as the firm seeks physical space for growth separate from its existing primary base. Meanwhile, consumers continue to face elevated prices for daily goods, as the soaring cost of coffee wsj.com remains sticky, driven by complex factors in the commodity supply chain that suggest relief at the register is not imminent for consumers.

Aerospace & Exploration

The four-person crew preparing for NASA’s Artemis II mission nytimes.com shared their anticipation from prelaunch quarantine ahead of their scheduled Wednesday journey to the Moon, which includes three Americans and one Canadian astronaut. This flight marks a significant step in the U.S. program aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface, moving from planning stages into active preparation for deep space travel.