Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Market Overview
Asian stocks are set to fall while crude oil drops at open following a week of volatile trading. The Dow Jones has turned negative for 2026 as the Iran conflict continues to roil markets.
Commodity Markets
Oil prices have surged to $81 as investors price in a prolonged US-Iran war, with Saudi Arabia hiking oil prices to Asia amid the Middle East conflict. Oil producer hedging desks are closing out what many describe as a record-setting week as the war shows no signs of easing. The depleted US Strategic Petroleum Reserve has left the country exposed to higher energy prices.
Safe Havens Under Pressure
Traditional safe havens are failing as gold and treasuries fall, with gold steadying despite pressure from a firmer US dollar that offsets Middle East risk premiums. Gold is edging higher in Asian trade on a possible technical recovery after overnight losses.
Crypto & Digital Assets
The SEC has dismissed its fraud case against crypto billionaire Justin Sun, who became a major investor in President Trump's crypto projects. Crypto fans are finding alternatives to traditional savings accounts, causing concern among banks as stablecoins offer competitive yields.
Technology & AI
US regulators are considering tying Nvidia and AMD AI chip exports to foreign investment pledges, while Nvidia sinks on reports of global AI chip export rules. Together AI is reportedly in talks to raise $1 billion at a $7.5 billion valuation as AI development spending continues to grow.
Financial Markets
JPMorgan's co-head of shareholder engagement Alfredo Porretti has departed