Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Market Volatility
The Iran war is putting emerging markets to the test, dealing a blow to one of Wall Street’s favorite trades. Bond traders were already preparing for turbulence before the latest conflict. Oil and other commodity prices are soaring amid supply disruptions.
Energy Sector Impact
Gas, diesel and jet fuel prices are climbing as the Iran war chokes supplies. Several more liquefied natural gas shipments have diverted toward Asia as tensions in the Middle East curb global supply. Saudi Aramco shares surged as the Iran war entered its second week, prompting potential oil price increases. The US Energy Secretary believes the “fear premium” in oil markets will ebb. Iraq’s oil production has collapsed by about 60% as the war blocks tankers.
Economic Concerns
Soaring production costs could add to the woes of UK farmers due to the Iran crisis. The U.S. is ending the winter heating season with plenty of gas in storage, unlike Europe. US inflation may change the outlook for interest rates.
Corporate Actions
Walt Disney Co.’s Pixar studio’s new animated film, "Hoppers," debuted as the highest-grossing film in US and Canadian theaters. Private capital firm KKR is considering a multibillion-dollar sale of data center cooling company Cool IT Systems. Kalshi is looking to expand its prediction-market platform.
Political & Regulatory Issues
Andrew Ferguson is rewriting the playbook for policing companies. The political momentum behind decarbonizing Europe’s energy system has dissipated.
Other News
Switzerland voted to enshrine the availability of cash in its constitution. The Pentagon and Anthropic are facing questions about being unprepared for the future. The police are investigating an explosion outside the U.S. Embassy in Oslo. Instead of placing data centers on valuable farmland, they could be located on reclaimed sites throughout the Appalachian coal fields.