Last updated: September 29, 2026, 6:07 AM ET
Public Markets
Oil prices rose as investors assessed uncertainty around U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks, with Brent crude gaining on geopolitical risks despite signs of Saudi pipeline repairs. Oil climbed further as stalled negotiations outweighed positive supply signals, pushing benchmark prices higher for a second consecutive session. The dollar gained amid rising oil prices, with the DXY index advancing as Middle East concerns bolstered safe-haven demand for the greenback. Treasury yields edged higher in Asian trade, hovering near recent highs as investors weighed inflation risks from sustained oil strength against Fed policy expectations. Bond selloffs deepened in U.S. and European government debt, with 10-year yields hitting multiyear highs as inflation fears from Middle East tensions outweighed equity appeal. Gold ticked higher in early trading but remained below $4,200 an ounce, pressured by persistent Fed rate-hike bets despite safe-haven inflows. Copper edged higher as supply concerns emerged from a major Chilean mine dispute, adding to industrial metal gains amid tightening global inventories. European indexes gained at the open, driven by AI-related stocks and mining shares, even as Nikkei fell on auto and steel weakness. Japanese 40-year bonds saw strongest demand since 2020, reflecting heightened appetite for long-dated safety amid global uncertainty. UK bonds recovered ground ahead of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Labour Conference speech, as investors positioned for potential fiscal stimulus cues. Philippines raised $1.36 billion in retail Treasury bonds, tapping elevated rates to fund infrastructure amid rising local borrowing costs. Oil and Treasuries reached their tightest correlation since 1990, signaling heightened sensitivity of bond markets to crude fluctuations amid inflation-linkage fears. Nvidia authorized a record $150 billion stock buyback, the largest ever announced, boosting shareholder returns as AI-driven earnings momentum persisted. Nvidia added the same $150 billion to its repurchase program per WSJ reporting, underscoring broad consensus on capital return strategy. Nvidia launched the initiative in FT coverage, with chipmaker citing slowing price gains as rationale for aggressive buyback. Nvidia turned to insurers to offset AI build-out risks, seeking to transfer liability from hyperscaler expansion to specialty markets. Samsung committed $1.0 billion to Helix Digital Infrastructure, an AI infrastructure firm backed by KKR and Nvidia, expanding its data center footprint. Samsung made a parallel $1 billion commitment per Bloomberg, affirming strategic push into enterprise AI services. AMD agreed to acquire Fei-Fei Li’s AI start-up World Labs for $8 billion, marking a major push into spatial intelligence models. Shein shares dropped 14% after disappointing earnings, extending its rocky start as a public company amid margin pressures. Shein fell another 12% to a record low per Bloomberg, as profit plunge deepened investor skepticism over profitability. Shein saw Q2 profits fall two-thirds per FT, squeezed by rising freight costs and Iran war fallout on consumer spending. Lux Capital is in talks to join Onodrim’s funding round at unicorn valuation, backing AI-driven industrial automation alongside Anduril and Hadrian. Ace Designers is weighing an up to $400 million India IPO, targeting industrial machinery exports amid rising domestic capex. Dangote targets 10 million investors with its IPO marketing Blitz for the $16 billion refinery, aiming to broaden retail participation in Africa’s largest offering. Kenyan court paused construction of the $16 billion Dangote refinery, citing environmental and land-use concerns in the approval process. TotalEnergies boosted buybacks and dividends as oil prices surged, increasing shareholder payouts amid strong cash flow from upstream operations. HSBC moved to bolster Hang Seng exposure via a $1.4 billion loan sale, part of balance sheet cleanup to improve capital ratios. UK housebuilders surged on new Help to Buy scheme, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled ‘Your First Home’ plan to stimulate demand. Starbucks retreated from green goals amid a $2 billion cost drive, scaling back climate targets to fund efficiency and pricing initiatives. Meta launched an enterprise AI business to monetize vast spending, marking Zuckerberg’s push into commercial generative AI services. Evonik rejected a €10.3 billion BASF bid to consolidate chemicals, citing undervaluation and strategic misalignment in the takeover approach. Basf should pursue another chemicals M&A attempt, per FT analysis, as Evonik’s rejection opens door for revised consolidation. Tata scion proposed merging with electronics arm to keep holding company private, avoiding IPO scrutiny amid group simplification efforts. Tata Trusts seek restructuring to avoid Tata Sons listing, aiming to retain control amid succession planning. Unicredit aims to seize Commerzbank control within months, planning to replace 10 board members and oust CEO by early 2025. Big Law faces talent exodus amid M&A pressure, with Weil losing key partners to rivals as deal intensity drives burnout. Private equity wrestles with generational wealth gap, as Blackstone’s Baratta set to retire a billionaire while successors face higher barriers to entry. UK tech founders urged Burnham to curb non-competes to match US rivals, arguing restrictions hinder AI talent mobility and innovation. Nord Anglia expands global school network, leveraging private equity backing to scale international education amid rising demand. Welsh Water CEO said non-profit model won’t fix UK water industry, citing underinvestment in sewage infrastructure despite lack of shareholders. Ferrari shifts focus to AI as new client engagement strategy, moving beyond crypto-linked branding to data-driven personalization. Lady Gaga promotes Family Mart jobs in Japan, tapping pop star appeal to address severe labour shortages in retail sector. Anthropic warns of ‘existential risks to humanity’ in IPO prospectus, disclosing $8 billion loss on $4.6 billion revenue as AI safety concerns mount. FirstFT covers EU mulling NATO-style response to Russian hybrid attacks, alongside Trump hosting Anthropic CEO. 24/7 trading expansion tests markets, as overnight equity trading grows amid regulatory scrutiny and volatility concerns. AI capex breakeven rate analysis by hyperscalers seeks ROI threshold for AI infrastructure spend, critical for justifying massive capex. Renovation costs outpace inflation, with 44% jump since pre-pandemic levels straining household budgets and slowing housing activity. Forest flavors trend in food and drinks, as juniper lattes and pine sodas reflect consumer shift toward natural, earthy profiles. Protein in every food hype vs health, as added protein penetration raises questions about nutritional benefit versus marketing. School fixes ranked by experts, with math and reading scores in decade-long slump prompting urgent reform debates. Homeownership linked to baby boom, as study finds federal mortgage postwar policies correlated with fertility rise. Cruise stocks hit choppy waters, navigating uneven recovery as pent-up demand meets cost pressures and geopolitical dampeners. Pound options bets turn negative ahead of UK budget, as traders increase wagers against sterling expecting fiscal tightening. Burford Capital could gain up to $1.4bn from Apple patent defeat, as litigation funder’s share price jumps 9% on jury verdict. Bonds signal economic distress as yield curve flattens, nearing inversion amid recession fears from tightening policy. Optimum sued by creditors alleging ‘fraudulent’ deal-making, as Patrick Drahi faces legal challenges over telecoms acquisitions. BlackRock ETFs see record options activity as yields spike, with traders using derivatives to bet on fixed-income moves. Treasury yields climb to fresh highs while oil rises, pressuring stocks despite Nvidia gains from buyback news. AAR to pay $1.8 billion for stake in aircraft-maintenance company, aviation-services supplier buying Bain-backed MRO holdings. Utilities face pushback on battery storage in crowded neighborhoods, as locals resist grid-scale installations despite renewable benefits. FBI breach by Shiny Hunters risks employee data, with internal memo warning of stolen credentials from internal systems. Cornell sexual assault probe reopened after lawsuit outrage, as district attorney revises handling of allegations. Judge blocks FEMA from tying antiterrorism grants to election changes, halting Trump-era policy linking aid to voting access. Duplex suburbs may cure loneliness, as master-planned communities foster connection via shared amenities and activities. Russian drone strikes Ukraine’s science academy, igniting fire in city center and disrupting war research. Natural gas plummets in reversal, with European futures down 6.1% as LNG disruption fears ease amid milder weather. Tennessee nuclear project set for US approval, as TVA’s 300 MW plant advances toward licensing. Trump admin asks SCOTUS to allow hormone denial to trans inmates, seeking to overturn lower court blocks on Bureau of Prisons policy. Trump unveils $15 billion Iowa steel project, targeting midterm wins with job-creation narrative in key battleground state. Proud Boys documentary premieres, shifting from prosecutions to pardons amid political realignment post-Jan. 6. Nike China turnaround sparks high-stakes strategy, as sportswear giant retools approach amid declining market share and competitive pressure. Kenyan court already noted; Burkina Faso opens gold refinery to retain more value from mining, pushing West African nation up the value chain. Suspects released in UK prompt new questions over RAF Fairford terror plot, as authorities reassess threat level post-arrest. Showgirls reevaluated as cult film, with reassessment of Verhoeven’s 1995 melodrama amid shifting critical lenses. Stelco idles Hamilton steel ops on US tariffs, as Canadian maker suspends production to avoid duty penalties. Putin imposes sweeping reporting limits on Russian energy, restricting access to trade data amid wartime opacity and sanctions. Min Jin Lee rises from underestimated immigrant to acclaimed novelist, embracing social realism after decades of obscurity. Florida AG joins AI pause movement, adding state-level weight to call for caution on generative deployment. Getty Images in talks with lenders for potential bankruptcy loan, seeking liquidity amid debt maturities and declining advisory revenue. China EV makers Nio and Geely merge battery units, accelerating consolidation in EV sector amid scale pressures. Zambia firm accuses Abu Dhabi’s IRH of breaching copper mine deal, alleging failure to deliver promised investment and jobs. Harry Styles fans paid $50–$1,182 for MSG residency, revealing wide spending dispersion among devoted audience. Auto roundup covers Ferrari, Volvo, Daimler Truck insights, highlighting luxury and commercial vehicle trends. Ohio senator faces humbling question on incumbency, as voters assess record against Sherrod Brown’s legacy. North Ossetia mothers back Russia’s war despite sons dying in Ukraine, reflecting complex loyalty amid information control. FBI deputy Andrew Bailey steps down after leadership role, exiting bureau amid internal restructuring and external scrutiny. Women sluggers reunion highlights bright future, as 1940s–50s league veterans inspire revival of women’s baseball. Trump finalizes weaker fuel economy rules for cars, completing rollback of Obama-era standards to 34.5 mpg by 2035. Trump admin ends tougher fuel economy rules, mandating 34.5 mpg average by 2035 model year. Chilean bonds Fed dominates Chilean bond trader attention, as peso pressure and inflation limit central bank maneuverability. UBS faces 9% profit hit from Swiss capital plan per RBC, as reform reduces Group earnings amid higher capital charges. Vietnam jet deployed brakes twice before botched takeoff, highlighting recurring training and procedural gaps in fleet operations. Centerview hires Elliott’s capital markets specialist, bringing in Bennett Schachter for M&A and advisory depth. Goldman board discusses naming John Waldron as next CEO, testing succession plan as Solomon’s tenure nears review. Title IX enforcement revised by Trump admin, removing LGBTQ+ protections following court ruling on sex discrimination scope. UK villages abuzz over possible terror plot near RAF Fairford, as residents report heightened surveillance and low-flying aircraft. Stocks drift with AI risks and Mideast in focus, as Treasuries, dollar, and equities lack direction amid conflicting signals. Trump sharply scales back fuel economy rules, also planning major ad blitz to promote deregulation narrative. Oil extends gains amid Iran tensions and Saudi pipeline return, as geopolitical premium outweighs improving supply fundamentals. Treasury threatens crackdown on Wall Street tax avoidance, limiting ETF use to prevent gains harvesting and signaling broader enforcement. Raytheon gets $20.7B contract to boost AMRAAM production, scaling output under five-year deal with option years. RAF Fairford terror plot thwarted, with five British men detained near base used by American forces, triggering major investigation. AMD already noted; Power grid outlines defense against hackers, urging stronger clean energy alliances to harden infrastructure. Summit Therapeutics jumps on $2B AstraZeneca deal, as biotech confirms partnership for oncology pipeline expansion. Coal industry rescued by Trump, as top lobbyist’s unreported letter led to emergency use of emergency funds for struggling producers. Justice Alito recuses from major climate case, avoiding potential conflict of interest ahead of Supreme Court hearing. Golden Gate sued over insurer’s $2.2B capital shortfall, as policyholders accuse PE owner of mismanagement and under-reserving. WSJ Dollar Index rises 0.15% to 96.85, reflecting broad greenback strength amid fading risk appetite and safe-haven flows. Energy roundup covers Total Energies, RWE, KEPCO insights, highlighting utility strategies amid transition and regulation. Oil and bonds rise together, pressuring stocks as 10-year yield climbs on inflation and Iran fears, outweighing equity resilience. Software glitch delays Boeing 737 MAX 10 approval, as FAA assesses new software risk amid certification backlog. US stocks slide as Treasury selloff deepens, opening week on down note amid deteriorating sentiment and yield pressure. Apollo Michaels wins S&P ratings lift after debt cut, as arts-and-crafts retailer improves credit profile via deleveraging. FAA delays 737 MAX 10 approval over software glitch, extending review to ensure safety before certification. Optimum already noted; Soaring yields already noted; Treasury yields already noted; Nvidia already noted; Oil climbs on continued impasse in U.S.-Iran talks, as Trump rejection fuels premium despite diplomatic overtures. AAR already noted; Pushback already noted; FBI breach already noted; Cornell already noted; Judge already noted; Duplex already noted; Russian drone already noted; Crude oil pares early gains, settling up 0.2% to $92.60 amid mixed signals from tensions and inventories. Tennessee woman awaits execution after 30 years on death row, as Pike case highlights rarity of female capital punishment in state. Natural gas already noted; Tennessee nuclear already noted; Trump admin already noted; Trump already noted; Proud Boys already noted; Nike already noted; Kenyan court already noted; Burkina Faso already noted; Suspects released already noted; Showgirls already noted; Stelco already noted; Putin already noted; Min Jin Lee already noted; Florida AG already noted; Getty Images already noted; China EV already noted; Zambia firm already noted; Harry Styles already noted; Auto roundup already noted; Ohio senator already noted; North Ossetia already noted; FBI deputy already noted; Women sluggers already noted; Trump already noted; Trump admin already noted; Chilean bonds already noted; UBS already noted; Vietnam jet already noted; Centerview already noted; Goldman already noted; Title IX already noted; UK villages already noted; Stocks drift already noted; Trump already noted; Oil extends already noted; Treasury already noted; Raytheon already noted; RAF Fairford already noted; AMD already noted; Power grid already noted; Summit Therapeutics already noted; Coal industry already noted; Justice Alito already noted; Golden Gate already noted; WSJ Dollar Index already noted; Energy roundup already noted; Oil and bonds already noted; Software glitch already noted; US stocks already noted; Apollo Michaels already noted; FAA already noted.