Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Technology & AI

Micron Technology Inc. ignited an after-hours rally, sending Nasdaq futures surging after the memory chip maker delivered an upbeat forecast, reigniting confidence in the artificial intelligence trade. Asian stocks were poised to follow suit, tracking the jump in US equity futures. The AI sector also saw a dispute emerge, with Anthropic accusing Alibaba of obtaining illicit access to its Claude chatbot by using fake accounts to extract its capabilities. Meanwhile, India’s ambitions in deep-tech are facing hurdles, with questions arising about the country’s current limits in becoming self-reliant in AI technologies, despite efforts by figures like Mukesh Ambani.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices extended their decline, nearing the erasure of all wartime gains as swelling supply and progress on a US-Iran peace deal weigh on the market. This oversupply is also impacting the solar sector, with Jinko Solar Co. eyeing breakeven this year as Chinese government measures aim to ease chronic overcapacity. Asian consumers will continue to face higher grocery bills for months, as costly packaging stemming from the Iran war has created severe plastics shortages, impacting the food supply chain. In Australia, power demand from data centers is set to surge, potentially doubling electricity consumption across the main grid by 2050. Japanese liquefied natural gas stocks, however, stand to benefit from rebuilding energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf and new facility construction aimed at diversifying supply away from risk-prone regions as war-damaged energy infrastructure.

Markets & Corporate Action

Gold steadied near $4,000 an ounce, struggling to overcome a resurgent US dollar and the prospect of higher interest rates, after falling below that threshold for the first time since November. In corporate M&A, Canadian vitamins and supplements maker Jamieson Wellness Inc. is exploring a potential sale, tapping Bank of Montreal and Canaccord Genuity Group to advise on the process.

US Politics & Policy

Lockheed Martin secured a significant contract worth more than $35 billion from the US for its Thaad missile defense systems, marking one of the first major procurement awards under the Defense Department's initiative to stockpile weapons. President Trump has also requested $88 billion from Congress, primarily to fund operations related to the conflict with Iran, though this proposal faces skepticism and is considered unlikely to pass the Senate without bipartisan support amid growing G.O.P. reservations. Separately, Trump canceled plans to sign a bipartisan housing bill.

US Politics & Policy (cont.)

In New York, the primary victories of leftist Democratic congressional candidates, such as Team Mamdani, demonstrate the growing political power of the Democratic Socialists of America and challenge the party establishment's push to moderate. Democratic leaders found their traditional campaign tools were outmatched by the left's ground game and messaging. In education, Los Angeles has appointed Andres Chait, a district veteran with experience in labor relations, as its new schools superintendent following a scandal. Meanwhile, a report from the Mackinac Center indicates that only 3% of touted jobs have been created under a Michigan corporate welfare program, suggesting a significant shortfall.

International Politics & Finance

The leader of the Brazilian Senate from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s party has stepped down amid ties to a banking scandal involving failed lender Banco Master, as uncovered by a police investigation into alleged financial impropriety. Venezuela is preparing to reveal a substantial $240 billion debt pile.