Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Global Markets Overview

Equity markets saw a mixed performance, with Asian stocks rising after Micron's earnings eased concerns about the artificial intelligence sector. Thailand has emerged as a surprise AI stock winner, boasting the best year among Southeast Asian peers. However, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. shares slid to a 16-month low in Hong Kong after accusations of illicit AI model access, while SK Hynix Inc. shares surged 12% on plans for a $29 billion US listing. In Europe, the FTSE 100 was poised for a fall as Brent crude slid below $73 a barrel.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices continued their descent, moving closer to pre-war levels as shipping in the Persian Gulf resumes. Qatar has rejoined regional producers in reviving crude sales to Asia, with Adnoc LNG tankers now signaling from within the Gulf, indicating a return of transparency. This easing of tensions has led insurers to slash war premiums for Strait of Hormuz ships by more than half. Palm oil futures also posted their biggest drop in over a month, tracking declines in crude and soy oil, with a strengthening ringgit further pressuring demand. Copper, however, edged higher as a weaker dollar and an AI stock rally countered rate concerns.

Fixed Income

Japanese government bonds extended their rally mirroring overnight gains in U.S. Treasurys, though concerns linger over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s $2.3 trillion investment plan, which risks putting fresh pressure on debt markets. Japan’s 20-year bond auction saw the weakest demand in over a year, denting investor appetite. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong dollar is nearing the weak end of its trading range due to low volatility and cheap borrowing costs. Philippine bonds are staging a rebound, but market watchers warn that inflation risks and a hawkish central bank may cap the bounce.

Corporate & Deal News

Volkswagen is selling a 51% stake in its engine subsidiary Everllence to Bain Capital as part of a portfolio streamlining effort. Hollywood power broker Ari Emanuel is in advanced talks to buy theatre group ATG Entertainment for £4.5 billion. In the tech sector, Meta is accelerating plans to replace human content moderation with AI, while Chinese copper manufacturer Zhejiang Hailiang Co. believes US demand can absorb potential tariffs. Jinko Solar Co. is aiming for breakeven this year as China moves to ease a solar glut.

Economic & Policy Watch

Australia’s housing downturn has already wiped A$185 billion off the nation’s top two markets this quarter, a development likely to impact consumer wealth. In the U.S., Cal-Maine Foods Inc. and other egg suppliers are close to resolving a DOJ probe into alleged price coordination. China’s central bank is introducing an overnight tenor into its open-market operations as part of a plan to reshape short-term borrowing costs. The Bank of Japan needs to raise interest rates every few months, according to one of its more hawkish board members, who cited stronger upside inflation risks.

Technology & Digital Assets

Bitcoin faces a massive options expiry that could exacerbate pressure on a market already grappling with fading institutional demand and macroeconomic headwinds. In contrast, Thailand's stock market is having its best year among Southeast Asian peers, with investors discovering an unlikely source of AI exposure. Jinko Solar Co., a leading Chinese solar manufacturer, is looking to recoup expenses this year as government measures aim to alleviate sector overcapacity. Japan’s Kioxia Holdings Corp. intends to offer US depositary receipts in spring 2027, seeking to capitalize on investor demand for AI-related semiconductor shares.

Geopolitics & Societal Trends

The U.S. Justice Department and a bipartisan group of states are reportedly close to resolving an investigation into alleged illegal price coordination by egg suppliers like Cal-Maine Foods Inc. Cal-Maine Foods Inc. and others. In Venezuela, the largest earthquake in over a century, a 7.5-magnitude tremor, struck the country, with potential for significant casualties. Meanwhile, concerns are growing about frothiness in South Korea's stock market, leading the country to delay plans for new single-stock options amid record volatility.