Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: May 15, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Energy & Commodities

Oil futures dropped 7% this week, extending losses as OPEC+ signaled potential output hikes and Iran war supply fears moderated. U.S. natural gas rallied for a fifth session on warmer weather forecasts, while Chicago wheat plunged 15% on improved Black Sea logistics, though concerns over Russia's delayed spring planting linger. Cocoa prices surged to a record as Ghana's crop disease compounded supply anxieties.

Equities & Corporate Moves

Ford Motor gave up a 31% AI-driven rally to post its worst day since 2024, sliding 7% as investors rotated from mega-cap tech. Starbucks took a $400 million charge and cut 300 corporate jobs, closing four regional offices to slim its turnaround structure. An anonymous bidder paid $9 million for a charity lunch with Warren Buffett and the Currys, matching last decade's peak.

Fixed Income & Currencies

U.S. Treasury yields rose sharply as inflation fears from the Iran conflict and hotter data prompted traders to price out September Fed rate cuts. The dollar strengthened 0.8% against majors, while Japanese government bonds sold off amid divergent monetary policy expectations.

Geopolitics & Policy

China's Xi Jinping proposed "strategic stability" with the U.S., seeking guardrails after the first Trump term. Pakistan plans more yuan bond sales to diversify funding. In U.S. politics, the retirements of Pelosi and Nadler triggered fierce primary fights, while Kentucky's Massie faced a Trump-backed challenge over his Iran war stance.

Global Markets Wrap

Risk assets sold off globally as the Iran war amplified inflation jitters. Bitcoin fell below $79,000, and MSCI's world stock index dropped 1.2%. Investors flocked to short-term Treasuries amid uncertainty over the inflation path and Fed policy.