Podcasts about financial markets

S&P futures are pointing to a flat open today. Asian equities closed mixed on Tuesday as the region's rally stalled. Japan's Nikkei hit a fresh record early on before paring gains, Greater China markets were under pressure from property sector weakness, and South Korea's Kospi closed +2% higher. European markets opened modestly higher.Companies Mentioned: Qualcomm, General Motors, DeepSeek

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the G7 summit in Evian, France, touting a win via the signing of a peace framework with Iran. The deal extends the ceasefire by 60 days and re-opens the Strait of Hormuz. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy is also at the summit and is due to meet leaders with EU membership discussions on the agenda. The BoJ lifts its benchmark interest rate to 1 per cent – its highest level in 30 years – seeking to normalise monetary policy and bring down inflation. Wall Street is in the green following news of the Middle East peace agreement. The Nasdaq surged 3 per cent on Monday while SpaceX shares clock a further 20 per cent in growth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

US futures are trading higher, while European markets opened with strong gains. The US dollar has weakened noticeably, with most Asian currencies strengthening except the yen. Treasury yields are up at the short end but down at the long end, and sovereign yields in Asia have declined. Crude oil prices are lower, although Brent and WTI have recovered somewhat from their lows. Precious metals are showing solid strength, base metals remain supported, and cryptocurrencies are trading higher as well. The US and Iran have confirmed that a deal to end their conflict has been reached, with a signing ceremony scheduled for 19-Jun in Switzerland. The Strait of Hormuz will reopen once the agreement is signed, although President Trump noted that time will be needed to clear mines. Trump also stated that shipping will resume without tolls and that the US will immediately end its naval blockade. However, it remains unclear how the reopening of the Strait will align with Iran's ongoing assertion of sovereignty and its claimed right to collect fees. Companies Mentioned: Woodside Energy Group, Exxon Mobil, Uniper, ByteDance, Shanghai Iluvatar CoreX Semiconductor

The U.S. and Iran agree to a plan to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations about Iran's nuclear capabilities will be discussed over the next 60 days. Crude prices fall back towards the $80-mark as President Trump declares ‘let the oil flow'. Asian equities move firmly into the green with European and U.S. futures also set to move higher. The U.S. moves to limit access to Anthropic's most advanced models, prompting the company to restrict access altogether. President Trump heads to the G7 summit in Evian urging France to abandon its tech tax or face a 100 per cent tariff on wine exports. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Asia infrastructure investing is becoming central to the global energy transition as rising demand, energy security concerns, and the need for more resilient systems accelerate capital deployment across the region. In Southeast Asia, the opportunity is not only about replacing old systems, but building new infrastructure at scale for a growing economy.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks live from Ecosperity in Singapore with Salim Samaha, Global Head of Energy at Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock, and Heidi Yip, Head of Sustainable and Transition Solutions for Asia Pacific at BlackRock. Together, they discuss how the infrastructure opportunity is evolving globally, why Asia's transition differs from Western markets, and where investors are seeing momentum across renewables, grids, storage, and system flexibility. Key insights include:· How Asia's infrastructure build-out differs from Western markets· Why energy security is becoming inseparable from the energy transition· Where capital is flowing across renewables, grids, storage, and interconnection· How public-private partnerships can help mobilize transition finance· Why execution bottlenecks, permitting, and offtake frameworks remain critical· Where AI, innovation, and rising demand may reshape future infrastructure needsKey moments:00:00 Asia Infrastructure Boom01:06 Live From EcoSperity03:16 Energy Transition Now04:20 Southeast Asia Grid Challenge06:43 West vs Asia Reality Check08:58 How APAC Investors Deploy Capital11:26 Scaling Projects and Labor Crunch13:17 Where Capital Flows and Bottlenecks15:13 Five Year Outlook and Innovation17:23 Wrap Up and Disclosures

Asia infrastructure investing is becoming central to the global energy transition as rising demand, energy security concerns, and the need for more resilient systems accelerate capital deployment across the region. In Southeast Asia, the opportunity is not only about replacing old systems, but building new infrastructure at scale for a growing economy.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks live from Ecosperity in Singapore with Salim Samaha, Global Head of Energy at Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock, and Heidi Yip, Head of Sustainable and Transition Solutions for Asia Pacific at BlackRock. Together, they discuss how the infrastructure opportunity is evolving globally, why Asia's transition differs from Western markets, and where investors are seeing momentum across renewables, grids, storage, and system flexibility. Key insights include:· How Asia's infrastructure build-out differs from Western markets· Why energy security is becoming inseparable from the energy transition· Where capital is flowing across renewables, grids, storage, and interconnection· How public-private partnerships can help mobilize transition finance· Why execution bottlenecks, permitting, and offtake frameworks remain critical· Where AI, innovation, and rising demand may reshape future infrastructure needsKey moments:00:00 Asia Infrastructure Boom01:06 Live From EcoSperity03:16 Energy Transition Now04:20 Southeast Asia Grid Challenge06:43 West vs Asia Reality Check08:58 How APAC Investors Deploy Capital11:26 Scaling Projects and Labor Crunch13:17 Where Capital Flows and Bottlenecks15:13 Five Year Outlook and Innovation17:23 Wrap Up and Disclosures

US equity futures are modestly weaker, Asian markets are higher, while European equities are also advancing. Markets are being supported by improving risk sentiment tied to growing optimism around a potential US-Iran agreement, with reports pointing to a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework to address key nuclear issues. The pullback in oil prices and easing in yields have helped drive a rebound in equities, particularly in the tech sector, alongside reduced expectations for further central bank tightening. While optimism has improved, sentiment remains cautious given the need for formal agreement sign-off and MoU could be signed over weekend in Europe with press sources saying two sides narrowed gaps.Companies mentioned: Alibaba Group, KKR & Co., Amazon

Courtney Wiegand, Wharton Assistant Professor of Finance, explains her research on how fiscal policy shocks and shifting deficit expectations affect bond markets, inflation, monetary policy interactions, and the long-term implications of congressional budget decisions for financial markets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global investors eagerly anticipate today's SpaceX IPO – the biggest in history – with the company raising $75bn ahead of listing. President Trump postpones strikes on Iran, saying a peace agreement could be signed as early as this weekend. Tehran has responded that a deal has not been finalised despite Trump's claims it has the Ayatollah's backing. Renewed talk of peace in the Gulf sparks a tech-driven market rally in Asia with the KOSPI moving into the green by more than 8 per cent. European equities are set to follow suit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

US equity futures are modestly higher, Asian markets are mostly lower but off their worst levels while European equities are firmer. Markets are trading more defensively amid persistent geopolitical uncertainty as US launched another wave strikes against Iran, targeting air defense systems, radars and drone command and control units. Crude gave back some of its earlier gains after CENTCOM declared mission complete. Trump had flagged an end to bombing after claiming Iran asked him to stop while warning strikes will restart unless Iran signs agreement. Additional headwinds include renewed tariff discussions, increased equity supply, and pockets of stress in private credit, while macro data continues to point to a resilient but cautious economic backdrop.Companies Mentioned: SpaceX, Microsoft, Anthropic, OpenAI

The U.S. and Iran exchange fire for a second night with Iran targeting U.S. bases in the Gulf, vowing to target any vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has voiced frustration over stalling peace negotiations. Wall Street closes in the red as investors fret over A.I. valuations, tech and surging inflation. Asian equities and European futures have followed suit. A rate hike from the ECB is anticipated later today – its first in almost three years – laying bare the impact of the conflict in the Gulf in new growth and inflation forecasts. And in luxury news, Frasers Group launches a takeover bid for Hugo Boss. It plans to buy up the remaining three quarters of the company it doesn't already own at a price of €38 a share.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S&P futures are down (0.5%) as of now and indicating a lower open today. Asian markets closed mostly lower on Wednesday, weighed down by geopolitical concerns and semiconductor-driven selling pressures. Japan's Nikkei fell (1.9%), with SoftBank closed (8%) lower following stalled OpenAI-backed loan talks. Korea's Kospi closed sharply lower, nearly wiping out Tuesday's rally. Greater China markets recorded relatively milder losses. European markets are slightly higher in early trading.Companies Mentioned: OpenAI, Blackstone, Starbucks

The U.S. and Iran exchange fire following the downing of an American Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran claims to have targeted U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain as a result. Asian markets see the tech sell-off gathering pace with trade on South Korea's KOSPI briefly pausing. The negative sentiment has infected European and American markets, which are due to start the day in the red. SpaceX is due to close its order book today ahead of Friday's greatly anticipated and historic IPO. The company is reportedly up to 4 times over-subscribed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Overview: As we kick off June and head into the heart of summer, we discussed what investors should be paying attention to amid the recent market volatility. While headlines continue to focus on inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and economic uncertainty, we explored why staying disciplined and focused on long-term goals remains critical, especially given the rollercoaster we've seen in the markets. We also covered June planning checklist items to tackle this summer and how this is a pivotal point in the year to make impactful financial decisions.  Show Notes:

Kia ora. Welcome to Thursday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz.  Today we lead with news the US is frustrated with Iran and is promising even more military strikes. The deal Trump thought was close, isn't. The escalation threat has oil and financial markets reacting badly. But first today, American CPI inflation jumped from 3.8% in April to 4.2% in May, largely as expected and largely based on higher fuel costs. This is its highest since April 2023. Today's geopolitical events and markets reactions probably mean it isn't finished with the current trajectory. Actually, for March, April and now May, their CPI index rose +2.0% in just those months, so the rate being experienced by consumers (annualised +8%?) is very much higher than the annual one reported. The White House reaction was very unexpected: Trump said, "You know, I love the inflation." Certainly, financial markets were unimpressed. There was a large jump in American mortgage applications last week even though benchmark home loan interest rates stayed elevated at about 6.6%. After six weeks of holding back, it seems borrowers are coming to accept that they have to pay these higher rates. Remember pre-war, these rates were under 6.1%. The jump in applications this week were from both new borrowers and those needing refinance. For a seventh straight week, and including stocks in their strategic reserve, American crude oil stocks dropped in the latest update, and by almost double the rate expected. Today's US Treasury 10yr bond auction was well supported and yield's rose only modestly for this one, coming in at 4.48% median (4.54% high bid), up from 4.41% at the prior equivalent event a month ago. In Canada, their central bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 2.25% as expected, and for the fifth consecutive time. They had inflation at 2.8% in April so, so far, there is little evidence higher energy prices are being passed on or embedded in their consumer cost base. Data out in Japan yesterday shows their May producer prices rose +6.3% from a year ago, up from 5.3% in April and the fastest rise since the end of the pandemic in March 2023. After the April spurt, they rose another +0.9% in May alone. China's CPI inflation level was low and stable in May, coming in at 1.2% from a year ago, unchanged from April. Beef prices were up +4.2% however and lamb prices up +6.2%. Egg prices are up +6.6% on the same basis and a five year high. These were more than offset by a -16% drop in Chinese pork prices though. And dairy prices fell -1.2% on the same year-ago basis. But China's producer prices are not so calm. In fact they rose an outsized +5.8% in May from a year ago for industrial products, up 3.9% overall when you broaden the categories to include food, clothing and other goods produced for consumers. Apart from the pandemic, the headline 3.9% is the highest they have had since August 2018. In Australia, we should note that their emergency petrol tax concession will end at the end of June. That will juice up their inflation if it isn't extended. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.54%, up +1 bp for the day.  The price of gold will start today down another -US$160 from yesterday at US$4098/oz. Silver is down -50 USc at US$64.50/oz. Oil prices are up +US$3 from yesterday at just under US$91.50/bbl in the US, while the international Brent price is now just on US$94.50/bbl. Hormuz transits are almost non-existent today, only 2 in the past 24 hours.. The Kiwi dollar is down -10 bps from this time yesterday at just on 58.1 USc. Against the Aussie we are up +10 bps at 82.9 AUc. Against the euro we are down -10 bps at just on 50.3 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at just over 61.8 which is down -10 bps from yesterday. The bitcoin price starts today at just on US$61,781 and little-changed (up +0.3%) from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been modest at just over +/- 1.7%. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again tomorrow.

S&P futures are pointing to a higher open today. Asian markets closed higher on Tuesday, buoyed by a recovery in tech stocks and optimism surrounding China's export growth. Japan's Nikkei surged near +2%, with strong gains across semiconductor and heavy industry names. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix drove the Kospi to close +8% higher today. European markets opened mixed.Companies Mentioned: Nuvalent, Databricks, Boeing

OpenAI decides to confidentially file to list with a reported target valuation of $1tn. Perplexity CEO Arvand Srinivas tells CNBC he hopes to take his company public in the medium term and that the success of larger companies will benefit his firm's own growth. Israel and Iran announce they are halting attacks but leave the door open to a resumption in hostilities with President Trump sounding a positive tine about ongoing peace negotiations with Tehran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

US equities fell sharply on Friday, with the S&P 500 index breaking its streak of nine consecutive weekly gains. The Nasdaq experienced its worst week since Apr-24. Bonds fell. The US 10-year treasury yield increased by 2 bps to 4.5% after backing up sharply on Friday amid very strong US employment data. The US dollar remained steady against the Japanese yen but softened against the euro, British pound sterling, and Australian dollar. Oil prices rose, with WTI climbing more than 4% above $94/bbl. Gold prices declined. Industrial metals also fell. Bitcoin remained near its ytd low.Companied Mentioned: Incyte, Tate & Lyle, Spotify Technology

Mega forces like AI are reshaping markets and economies, with multiple plausible outcomes ahead. Devan Nathwani, Portfolio Strategist at the BlackRock Investment Institute, explains why this evolving investment landscape necessitates a new portfolio approach built around exposures—not asset class labels.General disclosure: This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or strategies to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks. BlackRock does and may seek to do business with companies covered in this podcast. As a result, readers should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this podcast.In the U.S. and Canada, this material is intended for public distribution.In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.In the European Economic Area (EEA): this is Issued by BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V. is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. Registered office Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 – 549 5200, Tel: 31-20- 549-5200. Trade Register No. 17068311 For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded.For Investors in Switzerland: This document is marketing material.In South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Board, FSP No. 43288.In Singapore, this is issued by BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (Co. registration no. 200010143N). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Hong Kong, this material is issued by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Australia, issued by BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 (BIMAL). This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should assess whether the material is appropriate for you and obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL's Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdictionIn Latin America: this material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of any Fund (nor shall any such shares be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction. If any funds are mentioned or inferred to in this material, it is possible that some or all of the funds may not have been registered with the securities regulator of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay or any other securities regulator in any Latin American country and thus might not be publicly offered within any such country. The securities regulators of such countries have not confirmed the accuracy of any information contained herein. The provision of investment management and investment advisory services is a regulated activity in Mexico thus is subject to strict rules. For more information on the Investment Advisory Services offered by BlackRock Mexico please refer to the Investment Services Guide available at www.blackrock.com/mx©2026 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.BII0626-5555643-EXP0627

Israel and Iran have exchanged fire for the first time since April which pushes oil futures higher and potentially jeopardizing a peace agreement. The A.I. sell-off on Friday continues into the new week with South Korea's KOSPI tripping circuit breakers. A stellar U.S. jobs print raises the chance of a rate hike but President Trump remains committed to lowering interest rates. In Italy, Intesa Sanpaolo is looking to hijack a likely tie-up between BPM and Monte dei Paschi, tabling an offer for all BMPS shares.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ETFs in Asia have grown significantly since the global financial crisis, but their role is changing. What began as a way to access markets is now expanding into broader portfolio applications as investors face more complex market conditions.In this episode of The Bid, Oscar Pulido speaks with Christian Obrist, Head of iShares Distribution in Asia, and Nick Peach, Head of iShares Asia Pacific at BlackRock. They discuss how ETF usage in the region has developed and how investors are applying them across different strategies.The conversation explores how education has shifted from fundamentals to advanced use cases, including liquidity management, tactical allocation, and operational efficiency. It also highlights the role of digital investors, the importance of local market development, and how ETFs are becoming more integrated into portfolio construction.Key moments in this episode00:00 Introduction02:15 How ETF usage in Asia has moved beyond market access03:55 Why ETF investor education is shifting toward advanced applications05:15 Active ETFs and Efficiency06:43 Asia Ecosystem Differences07:40 How digital investors are influencing ETF adoption08:59 Why local market listings matter for ETF accessibility11:27 How ETFs are becoming more integrated into portfolio construction13:52 Asia Weekend Travel Picks15:05 Wrap Up and DisclosuresSources: BlackRock client Survey May 2026

US equity futures are weaker, Asian markets are mostly lower while European equities are softer. Markets are tilting more defensively as technology sector weakness and geopolitical uncertainty weigh on sentiment. US-Iran developments remain fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts but no firm resolution, while ceasefire dynamics in the region remain fragile. Trade tensions are also resurfacing after US proposed new tariffs of at least 10% over forced labor, adding another layer of uncertainty. At the same time, easing oil prices and stable yields are offering some support, though concerns around stretched valuations in technology, continued crypto weakness, and cautious consumer trends are keeping risk appetite in check despite a broadly resilient macro backdrop.Companies mentioned: SpaceX, NVIDIA, OPENAI

Bankers tap the extraordinary valuation of SpaceX ahead of its listing next week. Goldman Sachs has reportedly forecast a 100-fold revenue increase by 2030 for the company. However, S&P Dow Jones Indices has ruled out a fast-track to the S&P 500, diverging from rivals Nasdaq. The AI rally stutters with the Nasdaq suffering a second day of losses while in Asia, the KOSPI nosedives. The head of OpenAI For Countries and former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne tells CNBC he's bullish on the ‘exponential' demand for the A.I. sector. Hezbollah rejects the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon while President Trump floats the possibility of a meeting with Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei should a peace agreement be reached between the Washington and Tehran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Rolls-Royce went bust in February 1971, it was a national disaster. One commentator likened it to discovering "Westminster Abbey had been turned into a brothel". At the root of the failure was an expensive and risky project to build a large jet engine, the RB211, to power one of the revolutionary new widebody jets that were about to take to the skies. In this two part series we look at the question of whether - far from a disaster - the bankruptcy (and the decisions that preceded it) were actually the making of Rolls Royce. In this first part we look at the lead up to the collapse and the project to build the RB211.The show is made in partnership with The Library of Mistakes who are offering a 25% discount on their Advanced Valuation in Financial Markets course to listeners. Just follow this link https://www.libraryofmistakes.com/how-to/ and enter ALTIF25 into the box marked promo.Presented by Jonathan Ford and Neil Collins.Produced and edited by Lulu Goad for Podot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US equity futures are weaker, Asian markets are broadly lower while European equities are modestly higher. Markets are trading more defensively amid persistent geopolitical uncertainty and recent volatility in rates and energy prices. US-Iran tensions remain a key overhang despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, with skepticism around the timeline for a formal agreement and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has helped ease some pressure on oil prices, elevated yields following recent crude strength and continued weakness in technology stocks have weighed on broader sentiment. Additional headwinds include renewed tariff discussions, increased equity supply, and pockets of stress in private credit, while macro data continues to point to a resilient but cautious economic backdrop.Companies Mentioned: Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Adobe

SpaceX eyes a valuation of almost $1.8tn at its listing next week. It has marketed more than half a billion shares at $135 which will make it the largest IPO of all time. The U.S. equity markets end a five-day winning streak with oil falling back. Renewed tensions in the Gulf come as negotiators attempt to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tells CNBC that Lebanon must be demilitarized to ensure a lasting peace. Disappointing revenue forecasts from U.S. chip designer Broadcom sees investors sell off aggressively. Its market valuation shed $300m to put it on course for one of the biggest single-day wipeouts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The financial analyst Richard Daughty, whose pen name was Mogambo Guru, passed away four years ago, but while he was alive, he produced spot-on criticisms of the US government and its inflation rocket fuel booster, the Federal Reserve System.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/remembering-mogambo-guru

S&P futures are indicating another flat open today. Asian markets were mixed Wednesday, though Japan led gains with the Nikkei up near +3%, driven by semiconductors and tech names.Taiwan also saw gains as chip stocks extended rallies. However, Hong Kong saw its tech names dropping following Tuesday's rebounds, and India and Indonesia saw sharp declines. European markets are lower in early trading. Companies Mentioned: Sherwin-Williams, SpaceX, DeepSeek

The financial analyst Richard Daughty, whose pen name was Mogambo Guru, passed away four years ago, but while he was alive, he produced spot-on criticisms of the US government and its inflation rocket fuel booster, the Federal Reserve System.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/remembering-mogambo-guru

S&P futures are indicating a flat open today. Asian markets finished higher Tuesday, with Hong Kong and mainland China leading gains. The Hang Seng rallied +1.8%, driven by strength in tech and cloud platform names. South Korea and Taiwan clawed back early losses, while Japan's Nikkei closed +0.5% higher. European markets are also higher in early trading. Companies Mentioned: NVIDIA, Marvell, Samsung Electronics, Hallador Energy, Salesforce, Amazon

Anthropic is joining the A.I. IPO race, filing confidentially following last week's latest funding session revealed the company being valued at close to $1tn. However, Open AI's Sam Altman tells CNBC he is not rushing to list his company. We speak exclusively to Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son who says the A.I. revolution is the biggest mankind has ever experienced. President Trump tells CNB he is unfazed whether peace talks with Iran are over and expresses frustration with the lack of progress in ‘boring' negotiations. Trump said Israeli troops are retreating home from Lebanon following a call with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel invests a further $10bn into Alphabet after the tech giant raised $80bn for its AI infrastructure.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SpaceX is reportedly planning a float share price of $135, eyeing around a $75bn IPO raise. However, Morningstar analysts believe the figure is hugely overpriced while Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon tells our colleagues Stateside he believes that markets are living in a moment of ‘greed'. The U.S. proposes fresh tariffs on up to 60 countries it believes have failed to ban imports made with forced labour. Both the EU and China feature on the list. And in retail news, Zara owner Inditex has confirmed its guidance, reassuring investors that it can continue its strong start to the summer season amid cost-of-living pressures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

US equity futures higher with S&P up 0.2%. Bond yields higher. US 10-year up 2 bps at 4.5%. Gilts up 2 bps at 4.8%. Bund 4 bps higher at 3%. Dollar firmer versus yen and euro, softer against sterling and Aussie. Oil up with WTI crude 3.8% higher near $90.50/bbl. Gold down. Industrial metals higher. Bitcoin lower. US-Iran ceasefire negotiations continue with press reports noting President Trump sent revised terms back to Tehran, seeking firmer commitments on nuclear concessions and reiterating demands for unrestricted Strait of Hormuz shipping. Release of frozen Iranian funds has been a point of debate. Despite ongoing talks, US carried out military strikes in Iran on the weekend and Kuwait reports missile and drone attacks. Companies Mentioned: Taylor Morrison Home, YUM! Brands, Four Corners Property Trust

Surging AI investment and geopolitical risks are showing how mega forces are reshaping the investment landscape. Michel Dilmanian, Portfolio Strategist at the BlackRock Investment Institute, unpacks how these developments will shape the debate at BlackRock's Midyear Investment Forum this week.General disclosure: This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or strategies to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks. BlackRock does and may seek to do business with companies covered in this podcast. As a result, readers should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this podcast.In the U.S. and Canada, this material is intended for public distribution.In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.In the European Economic Area (EEA): this is Issued by BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V. is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. Registered office Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 – 549 5200, Tel: 31-20- 549-5200. Trade Register No. 17068311 For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded.For Investors in Switzerland: This document is marketing material.In South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Board, FSP No. 43288.In Singapore, this is issued by BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (Co. registration no. 200010143N). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Hong Kong, this material is issued by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Australia, issued by BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 (BIMAL). This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should assess whether the material is appropriate for you and obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL's Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdictionIn Latin America: this material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of any Fund (nor shall any such shares be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction. If any funds are mentioned or inferred to in this material, it is possible that some or all of the funds may not have been registered with the securities regulator of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay or any other securities regulator in any Latin American country and thus might not be publicly offered within any such country. The securities regulators of such countries have not confirmed the accuracy of any information contained herein. The provision of investment management and investment advisory services is a regulated activity in Mexico thus is subject to strict rules. For more information on the Investment Advisory Services offered by BlackRock Mexico please refer to the Investment Services Guide available at www.blackrock.com/mx©2026 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.BII0526-5535247-EXP0527

We are live in Paris where Japan's Softbank has pledged up to €75bn for Europe's largest A.I. data centre project. Asian chip stocks are in the green as investors eye potential meetings with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the Computex trade show in Taipei. Brent crude inches higher on the news Israeli forces push deeper into Lebanon. France has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. U.S. Central Command says it hit targets in Iran over the weekend but hopes remain that a ceasefire deal can be reached between the Washington and Tehran. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

US equity futures are modestly higher, Asian markets are mostly higher, while European equities are also firmer. Equities are being supported by improving sentiment around US-Iran developments, with reports of a potential 60-day ceasefire framework helping to ease concerns around energy supply disruptions and inflation pressures. While negotiations remain ongoing and key issues such as uranium stockpiles are unresolved, the market is increasingly pricing in a de-escalation scenario. This has contributed to softer oil prices, more stable rate expectations, and continued strength in AI and technology-led segments, even as investors remain mindful of lingering geopolitical uncertainty and macro risks.Companies mentioned: SpaceX, Uber Technologies, Autodesk

S&P futures are pointing to a slightly lower open. Asian markets were mostly lower on Thursday, but most benchmarks closed well off their day's lows. The Nikkei, Kospi and Taiex were all under pressure from weakness in semis and memory. Mainland China advanced modestly. European stocks also opened lower. Companies Mentioned: Perella Weinberg Partners, Dell, Eli Lily

RURAL ROUTE EXPOSES EARTH CHANGES, SUPPLY CHAIN FEARS, AND GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY On this episode of Rural Route with Trent Loos, Trent welcomes JC Cole for a hard-hitting discussion about earth changes, supply chain instability, climate change narratives, and the growing need for emergency planning and preparedness.

Oil dips after a White House official says the U.S. and Iran are close to a temporary peace agreement. Vice President JD Vance says he feels ‘pretty good' about how negotiations are progressing. Today's fall in crude prices are close to 20 per cent on the month. Equities in the U.S. have ended a stellar month of May while European markets lag behind. A.I. giant Anthropic builds up its latest round of funding by almost 200 per cent, bringing its market value to just short of $1tn to overtake OpenAI and become the most valuable A.I. start-up on the planet. Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin suffers a major setback in its bid to compete with SpaceX as a test rocket explodes into a gigantic fireball on lift-off.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S&P futures are up +0.2% and pointing to another higher open, following yesterday's record closes in the S&P and Nasdaq. Asian markets were mixed Wednesday. Tech gains led Korea, Japan, and Taiwan higher, while broader indices were weaker. Hong Kong and Mainland China were the notable underperformers, driven by continuing broker crackdowns. European stocks are higher following a weak session on Tuesday. Companies Mentioned: IREN, Warner Bros. Discovery, Lululemon

Oil prices whipsaw with Brent up almost 3 per cent following an Iranian missile and drone attack on a U.S. air base in Kuwait. The strikes were followed by the U.S. targeting of a ground control station in Bandar-e-Abbas just hours after optimistic peace talks comments from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had pushed crude lower. Federal Reserve governors Neel Kashkari and Austan Goolsbee warn CNBC rising inflation and price pressures are not easing. Global equity markets fall into the red again following yesterday's record session on Wall Street. The EU is reportedly looking to decrease its dependency on American technology and champion European companies. Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch tells CNBC he welcomes the bloc's direction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

US equity futures are modestly higher, Asian markets are mixed, while European equities are softer. US-Iran headlines remain a key focus, with negotiations ongoing and signals pointing toward a potential agreement, though key sticking points persist around uranium enrichment, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and the release of frozen assets, while intermittent military actions continue to add volatility. Rate dynamics remain another overhang, with concerns around a higher-for-longer environment amid elevated inflation expectations, even as expectations for a diplomatic resolution continue to underpin broader sentiment.Companies Mentioned: Spotify, Delivery Hero, Google

Surging long-term bond yields underscore our view that traditional portfolio diversification is being challenged in today's macro regime. Beata Harasim, Senior Investment Strategist at the BlackRock Investment Institute, explains why investors may need a Plan B built around broader sources of return.General disclosure: This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or strategies to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks. BlackRock does and may seek to do business with companies covered in this podcast. As a result, readers should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this podcast.In the U.S. and Canada, this material is intended for public distribution.In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.In the European Economic Area (EEA): this is Issued by BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V. is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. Registered office Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 – 549 5200, Tel: 31-20- 549-5200. Trade Register No. 17068311 For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded.For Investors in Switzerland: This document is marketing material.In South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Board, FSP No. 43288.In Singapore, this is issued by BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (Co. registration no. 200010143N). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Hong Kong, this material is issued by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Australia, issued by BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 (BIMAL). This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should assess whether the material is appropriate for you and obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL's Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdictionIn Latin America: this material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of any Fund (nor shall any such shares be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction. If any funds are mentioned or inferred to in this material, it is possible that some or all of the funds may not have been registered with the securities regulator of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay or any other securities regulator in any Latin American country and thus might not be publicly offered within any such country. The securities regulators of such countries have not confirmed the accuracy of any information contained herein. The provision of investment management and investment advisory services is a regulated activity in Mexico thus is subject to strict rules. For more information on the Investment Advisory Services offered by BlackRock Mexico please refer to the Investment Services Guide available at www.blackrock.com/mx©2026 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.BII0526-5517737-EXP0527

SK Hynix becomes the latest company to be valued at $1tn due to investor enthusiasm for A.I.-linked semi-conductor stocks. Iran accuses the U.S. of breaching the ceasefire with President Trump set to hold a cabinet meeting with high-stake peace negotiations ongoing. New car registrations in the EU surge 5.1 per cent with high fuel costs prompting renewed interest in EVs. However, Ferrari share plummet as its first EV offering, the Luce, is widely criticized. BP ousts its chairman Albert Manifold after less than a year in the position amid concerns over his conduct, governing standards and oversight. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Thornton replays his wide-ranging Kitco News interview with Jeremy Szafron, connecting today's “two economies” to Ludwig von Mises's Austrian business cycle theory. Easy money and credit inflation lift asset owners, big corporations, and government finance, while working families get the bill through higher prices and weaker real wages. They discuss late-cycle signals in tech and AI and broader corporate credit, and how war-driven energy shocks feed into a wider commodity surge. Mark also breaks down Cantillon effects at the kitchen-table level and closes with bottom-up strategies like local resilience, savings, and removing tax barriers to using gold and silver as practical inflation protection.2026 is the Year of Rothbard—Murray's 100th birthday—and we're celebrating by giving away free copies of Anatomy of the State through May 31. Grab yours today at https://mises.org/issuesfreeRegister for our upcoming Mises Circle, Why Is the Healthcare System Broken?, June 27 in Windham, New Hampshire: https://mises.org/events/why-healthcare-system-broken-mises-circle-new-hampshire20% off listener offer on the insulated Minor Issues tumbler and three of Mark's books: https://mises.org/MinorIssuesTumbler. Use coupon code Thornton.Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

US equity futures are modestly higher, Asian markets are broadly higher, while European equities are also firmer. Equities were supported by renewed optimism around a potential US-Iran ceasefire. Momentum and AI-linked names resumed leadership following recent underperformance, while improved sentiment also contributed to a pullback in oil prices and some easing in rate hike expectations. However, investors remain cautious given persistent uncertainty around the durability of any geopolitical resolution, alongside mixed signals from earnings and continued concerns around inflation pressures reflected in elevated input and selling prices. Investors also cautious heading into a long weekend with reduced risk appetite.Companies mentioned: Lam Research, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Nvidia , Imax

Asia has often been viewed as a long-term growth story, but its role in global markets is becoming more immediate. The region now represents a significant share of global GDP and listed companies, while operating across distinct economic and policy cycles.In this episode of The Bid, Oscar Pulido speaks with Aarti Angara, Head of Global Product Solutions in Asia Pacific at BlackRock. They examine why Asia is gaining more attention from investors and how opportunities are developing across equities and fixed income.The conversation highlights the region's diversity across countries, sectors, and growth drivers. It also explores themes such as AI-related manufacturing, domestic consumption in emerging markets, Japan's shift in corporate behavior, and the role of Asian bond markets in diversificationKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction02:23 How Asia's scale is influencing its role in global portfolios04:20 Why policy and economic cycles differ across the region07:10 Why Japan's corporate and inflation dynamics are drawing attention08:36 Where AI-related manufacturing is concentrated10:20 How domestic consumption is developing in India and Southeast Asia12:47 How Asian fixed income behaves differently from developed markets14:35 How to Allocate in Asia17:42 Singapore Travel Tips18:50 Wrap Up and DisclosuresSources: Bloomberg May 12th 2026,

Brooke McManus, BNY's archivist, and Jordan Romanoff, senior managing counsel, go Inside the ICE House to explore how the firm's Revolutionary-era founding still shapes its role in global finance today. They explain how BNY helped stabilize early American markets and build trust during times of crisis. The conversation connects those origins to BNY's modern role powering global markets through custody, payments, and infrastructure. They also highlight how AI, blockchain, and digital assets are extending that legacy through greater efficiency, transparency, and connectivity.

US equity futures are little changed, Asian markets are mostly higher, while European equities are slightly lower. Equities were supported by easing yield pressures and renewed strength in AI and momentum-driven trades. Sentiment also improved on expectations for progress in US-Iran negotiations, which contributed to a sharp pullback in oil prices and helped stabilize inflation concerns. Earnings continued to reinforce a resilient macro backdrop, while policy expectations shifted modestly, with markets dialing back rate hike risks and maintaining expectations for limited easing later in the year, with market now pricing ~14 bp of cuts through year-end.Companied mentioned: NextEra Energy, Vale, AvalonBay Communities, Equity Residential

If you want to get the skinny on anything related to financial markets or the financial system, then you need to talk with Samim Ghamami, Chief Economist of the New York state Insurance Fund.  That's what Mark and Cris do on this podcast. The conversation begins with the outlook for interest rates, turns to a perspective on a popular AI narrative that artificial intelligence will push rates up further by spurring investment and reducing household savings, and closes with a timely look at private credit and the risks it may pose to the broader financial system. Check out the report mentioned in this episode titled, "Private Credit & Systemic Risk" by Samim Ghamani, Damien Moore, Antonio Weiss, Martin Wurm, and Mark Zandi: Click Here. Questions or Comments, please email us at InsideEconomics@moodys.com. We would love to hear from you. To stay informed and follow the insights of Moody's Analytics economists, visit Economic View. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.