Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Global Markets
Global markets gained positive sentiment following a recovery in U.S. equities and President Trump's relatively uneventful State of the Union address. Nasdaq futures inched up as investors positioned ahead of Nvidia's earnings release, while Asian stocks rose with Japan and South Korea hitting record highs. The FTSE 100 also gained, hitting a record on HSBC-led earnings, with European stocks heading higher as the banking sector continued its strong performance.
Currency & Commodities
The dollar slipped lower ahead of Nvidia's earnings, allowing the euro to edge higher. Asian currencies strengthened to a 16-month high on Wednesday, supported by a weaker dollar and steady yuan appreciation. In commodities, Saudi tanker giant Bahri provisionally hired at least five supertankers as rates neared $200,000 a day, adding to demand for the giant ships.
Corporate Earnings
Groupe SEB soared 11% after 2025 profitability topped forecasts, while Fresenius SE dropped 3% as its 2026 profit outlook missed estimates. Haleon fell after a weak cold and flu season dragged year-end sales, with the stock later tumbling after Q4 sales miss and cautious 2026 guidance. In contrast, OPmobility climbed after a margin beat offset soft sales, and Valterra Platinum surged on a dividend beat and cost savings.
Regional Developments
Hong Kong is planning for the first time in 40 years to tap the fund that ensures the stability of its currency peg. Australia is shipping LNG much further than its main buyers in Asia as demand for the super-chilled fuel in the region falters. Global funds snapped up Indian stocks in February, set to surpass domestic institutional demand for the first time in 17 months, aided by improving earnings momentum.