Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Market Volatility and Geopolitical Impact
US oil stocks halted gains as investors priced in a potential quick resolution to the Iran war. Canadian equities slumped their most since tariff chaos as Middle East tensions unnerved investors. European shares slid to one-month lows as the conflict dragged on.
Private Markets and Credit Concerns
Apollo CEO warned of a shakeout in private markets as defaults rise. Blackstone faced record redemptions in its flagship private credit fund. Ares CEO called a 15% default forecast "absolutely wrong" as credit markets remain stable.
IPO and Public Market Activity
SpaceX added Citigroup to its IPO bank lineup as the rocket company moves closer to going public. NYSE President said geopolitical conflicts are unlikely to stop companies from tapping US public markets. UAE markets will resume trading March 4 after closure due to Middle East tensions.
Earnings and Corporate News
AutoZone reported 8.1% sales growth despite winter storms. Versant Media prepared for growth despite 2025 revenue weakness. Paramount faces junk rating status after Warner deal, becoming one of the biggest US high-yield borrowers.
Federal Reserve and Economic Policy
Fed officials pointed to new uncertainty from the Iran war, with energy prices being the key concern. Minneapolis Fed President discussed inflation outlook and central bank independence. San Francisco Fed President said it's too early to assess the war's economic impact.
Commodity and Energy Markets
Oil futures surged for a second day as the US-Israel war against Iran deepened. Iraq started massive oil cuts as Hormuz blockage filled storage. Norsk Hydro shut its Qatari aluminum plant after gas supply cuts.
Gold and Safe Haven Assets
Gold slumped over 5% as strong dollar and yields offset war-risk premium. Municipal bonds headed for their biggest drop since July on inflation concerns. Dollar emerged as the preferred safe haven for oil shocks.
Technology and AI Developments
Meta created a new applied AI engineering organization in its Reality Labs division. OpenAI made changes to its military contract amid Middle East warfare. Colgate-Palmolive appointed an AI evangelist to drive employee adoption.
International Trade and Policy
UK Chancellor delivered her Spring Statement amid market turmoil. UK Treasury may revive gilt switch auctions to boost market liquidity. Canada committed $2.6 billion to boost critical minerals projects.
Infrastructure and Defense
Thales eyes higher defense sales as government spending booms amid Middle East conflict. Vale Base Metals aims to be IPO-ready by midyear as nickel and copper demand grows. Poland paused new fertilizer orders as Middle East tensions pushed gas prices higher.
Regulatory and Market Structure
SEC pushed back against new high-leverage ETF plans using rare group calls. CME rebuffed traders seeking compensation for trading losses from technical glitches. CFTC Chair said crypto-linked perpetual futures are coming to US markets within weeks.
Real Estate and Construction
Brookfield Residential CFO discussed housing market conditions and mortgage rates. UK landlord began evictions ahead of new renter's rights law. Loveholidays poised to delay £1 billion London IPO after Gulf travel chaos.
Alternative Investments
HarbourView managing director discussed investing in culture at Bloomberg Invest. Manulife global head outlined private markets democratization strategies. Blue Owl slid below listing price as private credit worries mounted.