Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: May 17, 2026, 8:32 PM ET

Precious Metals & Commodities Gold consolidated in Asian trade as expectations of potential Fed rate increases continued to weigh on the non-interest-bearing precious metal, with traders monitoring central bank policies for guidance. Meanwhile, the Iran war's impact on energy markets is creating significant volatility as the peak summer season approaches, with emergency measures spreading globally as oil stockpiles run low. The conflict has crippled Qatar's economy, one of the world's wealthiest nations, as Iranian attacks and the stoppage of seaborne transit have paralyzed vital gas exports, stalling economic pivots intended to anchor the country's growth and causing ripple effects across global energy markets.

Utilities & M&A Utility giant NextEra Energy is in talks to acquire Dominion Energy in a deal that would create one of the largest power companies in the U.S., with discussions centering around a $76 per share valuation totaling approximately $66 billion. The acquisition comes as demand for electricity is soaring, largely driven by the rapid growth of AI data centers that require massive amounts of power and increasing industrial activity. Separately, French advertising group Publicis acquired US data company Live Ramp in a $2.2 billion deal as it deepens its focus on AI marketing technology, reflecting how companies across sectors are investing in disruptive technology to stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Financial Markets & Geopolitical Risks Investors enter a new week under the spell of rising global interest rates as the Iran conflict shows no signs of resolution, with bonds sending inflation alarms that are impacting stock markets worldwide and forcing portfolio managers to reassess their risk positions. In fixed income, the German Finance Minister urged partners to deepen cooperation on raw materials, energy and supply chains to reduce vulnerability in the face of challenges such as the Iran war, highlighting how geopolitical tensions are reshaping global economic strategies. Meanwhile, hedge fund VR Capital has built a powerful position in Ukrainian bonds, giving it enormous influence as companies key to the war effort try to restructure their debt amid ongoing uncertainty about the conflict's resolution.

Asian Financial Centers Quantitative trading firm Jane Street has doubled