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The US and Iran have exchanged fresh strikes this weekend and on Monday, reversing a recent interim ceasefire and re‑opening doubt over control of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire "over," ordered further strikes and revoked a temporary oil waiver. Oil has jumped into the high $70s–$80s and global markets have fallen.
Private credit funds have seen significant redemption requests in Q1 2026: Blackstone reported nearly 8% of investors asking for cash, while Apollo, Ares and Blue Owl have seen double-digit outflows. Managers are blaming news "noise," but withdrawals are resembling a slow-motion run that will increase liquidity stress on funds.
The Central Bank of Liberia has announced a phased increase in minimum capital requirements for commercial banks, raising the threshold from $10 million to $15 million by 2028. The move aims to strengthen financial stability, attract serious investors, and support economic resilience amid ongoing sector reforms.
The Bank of England has voted 8-1 to hold Bank Rate at 3.75% and has published three scenarios showing higher near-term inflation because of the Iran war and energy-price shock. Governor Andrew Bailey has said the path for policy will depend on the size and duration of the energy shock; chief economist Huw Pill has dissented for a 0.25pp rise.
Oil prices remain elevated amid ongoing Iran‑related disruption, while markets price in a potential ceasefire. Banks warn long‑run inflation could drift lower on AI‑driven disinflation, but near‑term pressures keep the Fed and other central banks in a tighter stance. Investors are reassessing energy supply risk and policy outlook.
Global oil majors are posting higher first‑quarter profits as supply disruptions, including the Strait of Hormuz tension and related price spikes, bolster trading and refining margins. Shell and BP report earnings well above forecasts, while Aramco highlights a critical export artery from its east coast to the Red Sea, helping cushion markets.
A wave of record profits, rising deal activity, and aggressive hiring define the current financial landscape. Banks are expanding, hedge funds are scaling, and private markets are buoyant as AI investment drives capital flows and strategic transactions.
Galleries have been shrinking and business models have been under sustained pressure at Art Basel this month, while major players have been narrowing investments and reshaping portfolios across regions. SoftBank has reduced deal activity in Latin America; Pace has cut artists and staff; recruitment firm Hays has sold operations; and community art projects and private collectors are adapting their approaches.
SpaceX has announced a senior unsecured notes offering to raise about $20 billion to refinance a bridge loan and fund expanding AI infrastructure, including Starship and Starlink. The move follows a record IPO and large cash reserves, but faces scrutiny over negative free cash flow and high capital needs.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
JPMorgan Chase has named Doug Petno and Troy Rohrbaugh as co-presidents, signaling a shift in leadership as Marianne Lake retires. The board is advancing a male-dominated succession slate, with Erdoes and Piepszak retaining high-level roles and retention bonuses awarded to top bankers.
Thousands have died and millions displaced as fighting rages between the army and RSF. AP reports survivors in Khartoum share how war has upended lives, from amputations to shattered dreams, as authorities press on with conflict.
Global investors remain focused on Japan as the yen weakens to multi-decade lows amid widening rate gaps with the U.S. and potential BOJ action. Interventions and energy costs shape trader expectations, with carries trades under scrutiny as markets weigh policy signals and risk events.
Oil prices have shifted as indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran inform expectations for Middle East supply. Markets show guarded optimism about a ceasefire framework and potential restoration of safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while inventories and production signals temper optimism.
Banks are reporting strong second-quarter earnings, driven by investment banking fees from the SpaceX IPO and a rebound in commercial lending. Wall Street traders are benefiting from volatility, while consumer credit remains resilient. Analysts expect JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to report solid results.