Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Trade Turbulence
Japan braces for trade turbulence as a ruling party official criticizes U.S. tariffs as "messy." China's President Xi Jinping gains leverage before a Trump summit following a U.S. tariff reversal. India postpones a U.S. trip to finalize a trade pact after a Supreme Court ruling struck down many of Trump's tariffs. Japan's ruling party tax chief also called the U.S. tariff situation "a real mess," while Australia threatens countermeasures as Trump's global tariffs hit 15%.
Market Dynamics
Earnings and AI fears are driving "extreme" churn in the U.S. stock market, with the gap between large moves in individual equities and subdued index performance hitting its highest since the global financial crisis. China's AI rally ignites as investors shrug off global disruption fears. Consultancies are set for their fastest growth in years on the back of the AI boom as companies seek advice on data centers and AI profitability.
Energy & Commodities
Natural gas prices brace for a volatile Sunday open amid a blizzard warning. The U.S. is hunting the "shadow fleet" of vessels used to smuggle illicit oil, though even large tankers have multiple ways to hide their activities.
Corporate Actions
Palantir sues a magazine that revealed Switzerland rejected its approaches, alleging the publication didn't give it sufficient right to reply. The world's biggest private equity houses struggle to exit China deals while other forms of dealmaking have returned. Netflix faces pressure from Trump to oust Susan Rice from its board as it seeks antitrust approval for a Warner Bros. acquisition. Centerview settles a lawsuit over an analyst's need for 8 hours' sleep, a case that fueled debate about junior bankers' working hours.
Sector Developments
Ageing populations will raise demand for lifts according to German manufacturer TK Elevator. Greece eyes a central role in Europe's post-Russia gas market as U.S. LNG arriving at entry points can be exported by pipeline to the Balkans and beyond. AI is fueling a surge in recorded work meetings that requires careful consideration.