Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: May 26, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Public Markets – Past 3 Hours

The European Central Bank should raise interest rates in June despite geopolitical tensions, Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel told Reuters, a stance that strengthened the euro and pressured European bond markets. The comments came as U.S. forces conducted strikes on Iranian missile sites, sparking a flight to safety that lifted gold toward $2,340/oz while pushing oil prices up 1.8%. The Middle East escalation also heightened airline carbon cost concerns, with analysis showing major European carriers face over €1.5bn in extended emissions trading scheme liabilities.

In corporate governance developments, a Samsung Electronics union representing non-chip staff sought a court injunction to block a wage deal vote that would distribute 40 trillion won, while South Korea’s government announced plans to monitor $37 billion in overseas private credit exposures following global industry scares. The moves underscored growing scrutiny of corporate practices and cross-border capital flows in Asia.

The race for AI infrastructure dominance drove a surge in energy and fiber deals, with GSR Ventures seeking $350 million for a new fund and Blackstone arranging a $1.2 billion credit facility for data center expansion. However, the trend raised security concerns from Western turbine makers, while SpaceX’s IPO prospectus proposed governance changes that would grant Elon Musk greater autonomy. Meanwhile, Spotify struck an AI music deal with Universal, allowing controlled subscriber-generated content.

Elsewhere, Iceland reconsidered EU membership amid U.S. interest in Greenland, and Monzo boosted referral spending to gain market share. In commodities, Sasol’s stock—having doubled this year—faced analyst skepticism over valuation, while an Australian LNG strike was called off as talks progressed.