Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: June 16, 2026, 11:33 AM ET

Public Markets & IPO Activity

SpaceX options traded heavily on Tuesday, catalyzing a 17% surge in the rocket maker’s shares during its third day of trading. The company exercised its acquisition option for AI startup Cursor in an all-stock deal valued at $60 billion, just two trading days after its record-breaking IPO. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan Airways is preparing for an initial public offering as the National Investment Fund advances its capital-attraction strategy.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices plunged below $80 per barrel as Brent crude hit a three-month low following the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire. U.S. natural gas futures held steady amid recovering liquefied natural gas feedstock flows and warmer weather forecasts. Despite the energy sector’s volatility, import prices showed persistent inflationary pressure, with energy imports rising at a slower pace as global markets adjusted to Middle East conflicts.

Fixed Income & Central Banks

Treasury yields retreated lower as investors awaited details on the Iran deal and the Federal Reserve’s first two-day meeting under Chairman Christopher Waller. ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane warned inflation remains embedded in the pipeline from Middle East conflicts, even as the bloc approved a long-delayed trade deal with the United States after nearly a year of negotiations.

M&A & Corporate News

Yum Brands agreed to sell Pizza Hut’s operations outside mainland China to Long Range Capital for $1.5 billion as part of a $2.7 billion transaction. Huaxin Cement’s bid for CSN’s cement unit faces resistance from Holcim, a major shareholder, complicating the Brazilian firm’s divestiture plans. In the diamond sector, former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny leads the race to acquire the world’s largest diamond miner after the Iran conflict disrupted other bids.

Technology & Regulation

France’s intelligence agency replaced Palantir with a domestic rival, reflecting Europe’s broader push to reduce dependence on US technology firms. The commoditization of AI compute is fueling a new crypto boom, while prediction markets face regulatory scrutiny across jurisdictions as their popularity surges during the World Cup. Binance prepares for EU exit after failing to secure a local license, signaling challenges for crypto exchanges amid tightening compliance standards.

Housing & Economic Indicators

US housing starts slid to a six-year low, with apartment construction falling sharply and single-family projects offering little offset. The data underscores persistent headwinds in residential real estate, adding to concerns about economic momentum.