Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Trade Policy & Tariffs
Australia is threatening countermeasures as Trump's global tariffs hit 15%, escalating trade tensions. The tariff ruling has sent CEOs back to company war rooms as executives try to determine if importers can reclaim billions in paid levies.
AI & Technology Markets
AI fears are driving "extreme" churn in the US stock market, with the gap between large moves in individual equities and subdued index performance hitting its highest since the global financial crisis. China's AI rally is igniting as investors shrug off global disruption fears, defying the global "AI scare trade." Meanwhile, consultancies are set for their fastest growth in years on the back of the AI boom as companies seek advice on providing energy to data centers.
Media & Entertainment Deals
Trump is demanding Netflix oust Susan Rice from its board, adding complexity to the company's $108 billion bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery. The Justice Department is probing Netflix's power over filmmakers in its Warner deal review, examining whether the streaming giant wields anticompetitive influence.
Commodities & Weather
The U.S. is accelerating its hunt for the "shadow fleet" of tankers used to smuggle illicit oil, though even hulking tankers have many ways to hide. Natural gas prices are bracing for a volatile Sunday open as a massive winter storm threatens millions along the East Coast with blizzard warnings.
Corporate Governance
Palantir is suing a magazine that revealed Switzerland rejected its approaches, alleging the publication did not give it sufficient right to reply. Centerview has settled a lawsuit over a former analyst's need for 8 hours' sleep, a case that fueled debate about junior bankers' working hours.
Financial Services
Small businesses are becoming the biggest new fans of 401(k)s, with millions more employees gaining access to retirement-style plans in recent years through new types of plans like the pooled employer plan.
Crypto
Ripple CEO Garlinghouse predicts the Clarity Act has a 90% likelihood of passing by April, providing clearer regulatory framework for digital assets.