Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: June 1, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices jumped 6% on Monday as renewed military strikes between the United States and Iran disrupted supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, with analysts warning prices could climb much higher if the critical waterway remains closed. The continuing geopolitical tensions kept energy markets on edge, with oil holding its biggest gain in about a month as uncertainty persisted about US-Iran peace talks. Meanwhile, gold prices held steady near recent levels despite a slight decline to start June, as conflicting messages from Washington and Tehran on diplomatic resolution to the conflict maintained concerns over prolonged market disruptions. In agricultural markets, Australia's winter wheat crop is forecast to fall by more than 26% in the 2026/27 season due to unusually dry weather, low global prices, and higher input costs resulting from the Middle East conflict.

Technology & AI Markets

The artificial intelligence sector saw significant developments as Anthropic PBC confidentially filed for an IPO Monday, pulling ahead of OpenAI in the race to tap public markets. The AI startup plans to raise capital in a move that sets up a fundraising battle with OpenAI and Elon Musk's SpaceX, which is also eyeing a June listing. In corporate AI spending, Alphabet announced a landmark $80 billion stock sale to fund its artificial intelligence initiatives, including a $10 billion private placement to Berkshire Hathaway. The AI boom also lifted HPE shares 37% after the server and networking company reported second-quarter earnings that blew past expectations, prompting it to pull forward its long-term financial targets by two years. However, GoPro warned of going-concern risk as surging memory costs push the action-camera maker to the brink amid the AI-fueled crunch.

IPO Market & Mergers

Initial public offerings continued to gain momentum in various sectors as Swiss dental startup vVardis prepares for a US listing that could come this year, working with banks on what would be its debut in the