Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Energy & Commodities Markets
Aluminum is heading for its biggest weekly gain since 2024 as the deepening conflict in the Middle East disrupts shipments from the region. Goldman Sachs warns Brent crude could cross the $100 threshold as a "possible scenario" if the Strait of Hormuz faces several weeks of disruption. Oil prices have surged while stocks fall amid the widening Iran conflict, with American oil benchmarks posting their biggest gain since 2020.
Asian & Global Equity Markets
The Dow Jones has turned negative for 2026 as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East roils the old-economy gauge. Asian stocks erased earlier losses on the final trading day of a volatile week, even as the Middle East conflict showed little sign of easing. Morgan Stanley has adopted a more cautious stance on Asian equities, trimming its India exposure on concerns that the Iran war may disrupt supply chains.
Fixed Income & Currencies
Gold is set for its first weekly decline in more than a month, pressured by a stronger US dollar and inflationary risks tied to the ongoing war in the Middle East. Rate cut bets are unraveling across developing Asia as the Iran war drives up oil prices, complicating monetary policy decisions. Asian central banks are positioned to defend their currencies with $8 trillion in foreign-exchange reserves as energy costs rise.
Corporate Actions & M&A
Denso is bidding up to $8.2 billion to acquire Rohm, according to Nikkei reports. KKR will acquire a 348 billion won ($235 stake in South Korean renewable energy firm SK Eternix Co., stepping up its climate investments amid market volatility. Amazon is cutting 49,000 desks and office space as the company funnels billions into AI initiatives.
Crypto & Digital Assets
The SEC has ended its lawsuit against crypto billionaire Justin Sun, with an affiliated firm agreeing to pay $10 million. Together AI is reportedly in talks to raise $1 billion at a $7.5 billion valuation as interest in AI infrastructure continues to grow. US regulators have clarified that banks won't face extra capital charges on tokenized securities.
Trade Policy & Economics
The US has granted a temporary waiver for India to increase purchases of Russian oil, reversing months of pressure as the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy supplies. China has refrained from setting ambitious goals for solar energy in its latest five-year plan, highlighting the sector's mounting challenges after years of explosive growth. Yuan funding has hit a record $200 billion as China's ambitions to internationalize its currency bear fruit.