Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Market Performance
US stock futures fell as Nvidia's post-earning gains were curbed, with Iran talks in focus. Oil prices rose in Asian trading on position adjustments ahead of U.S.-Iran talks. Gold extended gains as traders weighed geopolitical tensions and US tariff impacts on global trade.
Currency Markets
Asian currencies strengthened slightly against the dollar amid risk-on sentiment. Traders boosted bearish yuan wagers to the highest since April, protecting against downside risks after a strong rally. The Philippine peso bonds are poised to extend gains on interest-rate cuts and attractive valuations.
Commodities
Lithium prices surged after Zimbabwe suspended concentrate exports, fueling fears about global battery ingredient supplies. Core Lithium sold a stockpile of ore from its idled Finniss mine in Australia to Glencore, raising cash to support a potential restart.
Corporate News
Qantas Airways shares dropped the most in almost four months after international earnings unexpectedly fell and the company flagged rising costs. Nvidia beat bubble fears with record $68 billion in Q4 sales, citing agentic AI as the driver of a 94% profit surge. Baidu experienced a 20% share slide in the past month as investors struggle with meeting AI hype expectations.
Technology Sector
Zoom gave a profit outlook that fell short of estimates, suggesting higher costs while expanding its product suite. Salesforce topped quarterly profit estimates as its AI push supports outlook, dismissing concerns about AI overtaking business software. Netflix saw an options trader bet almost $14 million that it will win should it lose its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.