Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: May 25, 2026, 8:34 AM ET

Energy & Commodities

Oil futures slid below $100 a barrel as optimism over U.S.-Iran peace talks eased supply concerns, while gold prices climbed on a weaker dollar and improved inflation outlook. European natural gas retreated 5% amid similar diplomatic progress, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. maintained shipments through Hormuz using its proprietary tanker fleet to circumvent regional tensions. The energy sector showed broad gains as global markets advanced on easing geopolitical risks.

Currencies & Fixed Income

The euro, sterling and risk-sensitive currencies including the Australian dollar all strengthened against a retreating U.S. dollar, while global bond yields declined broadly. BlackRock's Saigal sees sufficient factors to justify a Federal Reserve rate cut under incoming Chairman Kevin Warsh, marking a shift from the recent tightening cycle that has dominated monetary policy.

Asia-Pacific Equities & Markets

China's solar installations fell for a fourth consecutive month in April, signaling persistent domestic demand weakness that has clouded the renewable energy outlook. A Chinese online brokerage tycoon lost $1.7 billion in a single day after Beijing tightened cross-border stock trading controls, triggering a rush among investors seeking alternative overseas access routes. SoftBank Group plans a ¥260 billion ($1.6 billion) retail bond offering, targeting individual investors just two months after a similar issuance.

IPO & Private Markets

India's rapid-commerce firm Zepto Ltd. is preparing a June filing for an initial public offering that could raise up to $1 billion, joining a growing pipeline of tech unicorns seeking public market debuts. The proposed listing reflects strong investor appetite for Indian consumer technology companies despite broader market volatility.

European Financial Services

Italian state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti moved to increase its stake in payments group Nexi after private equity firm CVC Capital considered a €9 billion bid for the Milan-listed company. Singapore's financial regulator directed banks to accelerate account openings for wealthy clients, aiming to restore the city-state's competitive edge in private banking after recent money-laundering cases created processing delays.

Infrastructure & Energy Policy

Australia's government is set to extend LNG export reservation rules to include existing contracts, requiring producers to reserve 20% of output for domestic use. This policy shift intensifies pressure on international energy companies operating in the region. South Africa's Pick n Pay Stores tumbled after delaying a key turnaround target by one year, tempering investor optimism that had previously driven the grocer's shares higher.