Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Global Equities & M&A

Thales is planning to acquire Exail Technologies for $4.46 billion, including debt, after securing a 35.51% stake from the Gorge family. In the UK, EasyJet agreed in principle to Castlelake's latest takeover offer of £6.90 per share, an increase from its prior proposal. Meanwhile, the National Stock Exchange of India is preparing to market its $3 billion IPO as early as next week. Indian electric vehicle maker Ather Energy is planning a share sale to institutional investors, aiming to raise as much as $200 million.

Asia Markets & Currencies

South Korea has initiated 24-hour won trading as part of its push for developed market status from MSCI. Analysts at Goldman Sachs are cutting forecasts for the Japanese yen, predicting further weakness despite its current undervaluation. In China, a spot gold ETF has surpassed the CSI 300 ETF to become the nation's largest, signaling state-backed entities are retreating from stock market support. Moody's has warned that the Asia-Pacific private credit expansion will likely slow in the coming 12 to 18 months due to economic uncertainty and geopolitical concerns.

Commodities & Agriculture

Corn futures surged amid crop damage in France caused by an intense European heat wave, impacting one of the EU's major grain producers. Iron ore prices rose on supply curbs and a recent price slump attracting buyers, following China's state-backed buyer expanding restrictions on Australian miner Fortescue Ltd. Copper and aluminum advanced on easing rate hike expectations, with copper rising for a third day and aluminum extending its rebound from a four-month low.

Investment Strategies & Funds

Institutional investors are committing billions to private credit funds, even as retail money exits, according to recent reports big investors are committing. In the UK, Baillie Gifford is pursuing voluntary exits for its UK-based staff as it refocuses on family offices and financial advisors in the US and Asia. Shipowners are increasingly turning to fossil fuels as divisions emerge within the industry regarding green technologies.

Alternative Assets & Tech

The costs associated with maintaining a leading position in artificial intelligence are substantial, potentially posing challenges for companies like OpenAI and Anthropic to float. Masayoshi Son is remaking SoftBank, placing himself at the center of the global AI boom, leading some to question his level of control. In the UK, a startup called Isembard is linking small machine shops to create a decentralized military manufacturing network, a move reflecting modern drone warfare's impact on arms producers.

UK Politics & Policy

UK ministers reportedly altered their stance on biofuels following lobbying efforts by US officials, raising concerns that foreign commercial pressure could undermine Britain's carbon emission reduction goals. Andy Burnham's success as mayor of Greater Manchester, particularly his efforts to bring public transit back under public control with more frequent buses and capped fares, has defined his political identity and pitch for national leadership bee buses and trams.