Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Energy & Commodities

U.S. natural gas futures climbed for a second day, with the July contract expiring amid forecasts of above-normal temperatures across the U.S. for the next two weeks. This surge comes as Saudi Arabia ramps up oil exports, reopening Persian Gulf ports and increasing loadings at Red Sea outlets, though oil prices returned to prewar levels after four months, now serving as a barometer for the Iran war's economic impact. The European Union is also planning a 15% tax on aluminum scrap exports to safeguard domestic producers.

Technology & Investment

OpenAI is weighing an IPO as early as 2027, potentially following competitor Anthropic's public debut. Meanwhile, a Cantor Fitzgerald-backed SPAC is lowering investor commitments for an upcoming crypto deal as digital assets slide. In Europe, Denmark's Export and Investment Fund committed €200 million to the €5 billion Scaleup Europe Fund, aiming to bolster the region's tech scale-ups. Separately, UK regulators are tightening investment trust rules to curb activist investor control over listed closed-end companies.

Automotive & Industrials

Despite concerns surrounding Elon Musk's public statements, Tesla sales in Europe are showing a notable increase, driven by price cuts and accessible low-interest loans. In Germany, Bayer secured a significant victory at the Supreme Court concerning Roundup litigation, granting the company greater leverage to settle outstanding cases. China Three Gorges Corp. is reportedly in talks to acquire a German wind portfolio from NEAG Norddeutsche Energie AG.

Economic Indicators & Consumer Sentiment

U.S. consumer sentiment rose in June, providing some relief from high inflation as gasoline prices eased, though overall sentiment remains near historic lows. The U.S. goods trade deficit widened to its largest extent in over a year, reflecting a decrease in exports coupled with rising imports.

Market & Deal Activity

Leon Black has informed Congress that he did not pay Jeffrey Epstein for access to women, stating he was deceived by the individual he hired as a financial adviser. Separately, a blank-check company associated with Cantor Fitzgerald is adjusting terms for investors in an upcoming cryptocurrency deal due to market volatility.

Global Affairs & Infrastructure

Venezuelan earthquake victims are sleeping in streets and cars after twin seismic events left thousands homeless, with many too afraid to return to damaged structures. Canada's official prime minister's residence at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, vacant and in disrepair for over a decade, is undergoing a significant renovation project. Meanwhile, Ukrainian attacks have prompted a state of emergency declaration in Crimea, escalating tensions on the peninsula.