Nasdaq 100 in the spotlight as tech stocks swing with war fears, rate bets, and global turmoil. Top-heavy index of big non-financial tech names.
SpaceX has priced a record-breaking IPO at $135 per share, valuing the company at $1.77 trillion and making Musk potentially the world’s first trillionaire. Trading begins today on Nasdaq, with possible additional shares on offer. Analysts question the lofty valuation against fundamentals.
Oil prices rose sharply following increased tensions in the Middle East, with WTI and Brent climbing over 8-14%. Markets reacted with volatility, as investors weigh the potential for supply disruptions and economic impacts amid ongoing Iran conflict and US political signals. The situation remains fluid as the war's duration and consequences unfold.
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.
Oil prices are volatile as the Strait of Hormuz disruption continues; U.S.-Iran tensions persist with strikes and counterstrikes, while stocks swing and fuel costs rise. Markets monitor developments and expect continued pressure on energy supplies.
Bitcoin has fallen from its peak as traders weigh Strategy’s bitcoin sale and a string of AI-driven bets, with markets shifting toward IPOs and chipmakers amid broader risk-off moves.
Chip shares have slumped in several sessions after Broadcom’s earnings miss and a hot jobs report crushed hopes for rate cuts in 2026. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF has fallen about 10% in five days as AI-driven bets weigh on stock prices and investors rethink exposure.
Investors have shifted toward ETFs and hedges as the AI-fueled rally lifts indexes to new highs. Trading shows caution, with rising put activity in SMH and QQQ while calls dominate in select chip names ahead of earnings. The day follows a volatile session as inflation data and Oracle earnings loom.
Trump says discussions with Iran have been approved at the highest level and that scheduled strikes have been canceled, but multiple outlets question whether a deal will actually materialize as talks continue amid conflicting signals and renewed threats.