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22 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Public Markets Briefing

Technology & AI

U.S. technology stocks prepared for a rebound after a nearly $1.3 trillion rout driven by artificial intelligence valuation jitters. Nasdaq futures pointed higher as the broader market steadied following a two-day tech slide. Investors are closely watching Micron Technology's earnings this afternoon, which are seen as a gauge for the sustainability of the AI boom. Meanwhile, SK Hynix Inc. is planning a $29.4 billion U.S. listing to fund its expansion in the AI memory chip sector, amid significant volatility for South Korean chipmakers like Samsung and SK Hynix driven by AI doubts.

Defense & Global Contracts

Rheinmetall AG shares slumped as much as 16% after reports that Germany is considering dropping a major warships contract, contributing to the defense firm's more than one-third loss in value this year according to WSJ reporting. In a similar vein, tankmaker KNDS is preparing for a Paris and Frankfurt listing, which will test investor appetite for defense stocks amid a regional rearmament push. In other news, Alibaba Group is suing the Pentagon, challenging a U.S. government label that ties the Chinese tech giant to China’s military.

Energy & Commodities

The euro fell to a one-year low as declining oil prices eased pressure on the European Central Bank to raise interest rates amid a slowing economy. U.S. diesel prices dropped below $5 a gallon for the first time since mid-March, offering some relief to inflationary pressures. China’s climate envoy suggested that energy shortages triggered by the conflict in Iran should accelerate global energy transitions. Separately, Allianz estimates that around $125 billion of vessels and cargo remain stranded in the Persian Gulf due to geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Asian refiners have also slowed their purchases of Middle Eastern crude following a recent buying spree.

Automotive & Infrastructure

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. expects 10,000 to 20,000 electric vehicles to be equipped with its sodium-ion batteries this year. In the U.K., the potential nationalization of Thames Water is being considered as a simpler option than other potential solutions for the struggling utility.

Financial Regulation & Investment

Hedge funds are likely to receive an exemption from European Union rules requiring investment managers to categorize their products as ESG or not. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated the risk of inflation exceeding its 2% target, indicating appropriate additional interest rate hikes. Billionaire Gautam Adani announced plans for a new 10-gigawatt nuclear power initiative to bolster India's energy security.

Aviation

Airbus A380 aircraft are undergoing inspections on their wings due to the possibility of cracks identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.