The S&P 500 index hit a fresh all-time high, marking its sixth consecutive weekly gain, driven by better-than-expected April jobs data and optimism around US-Iran peace talks.
The US Labor Department reported 115,000 new nonfarm jobs in April, nearly double market forecasts, though wage growth slowdown eased inflation concerns.
Senator Warren Questions Meta on Stablecoin Plans Senator Elizabeth Warren has pressed Meta over its stablecoin trial, citing risks from the previous Libra project and the company’s planned 2026 integration, according to The Block. Warren’s inquiry highlights ongoing regulatory concerns about major technology companies entering the cryptocurrency space. She has long been one of the most vocal critics of the crypto industry in Congress. The questioning references Meta’s previous attempt to launch the Diem (formerly Libra) stablecoin project, which faced intense regulatory pushback and was ultimately abandoned. Warren expressed concerns about the timeline for integrating stablecoin functionality into Meta’s platforms in 2026. ...
Sony Announces $3 Billion Buyback Amid Memory Price Pressure Sony Group announced a $3 billion share buyback program. Its semiconductor division faces pressure from declining memory chip prices. Despite slowing PlayStation growth, Sony maintains its double-digit profit growth forecast.
S&P 500 Call Options Volume Surges to Record $2.6 Trillion Wall Street’s chase for upside has pushed S&P 500 call options volume to a record $2.6 trillion. Analysts say the implications for bitcoin appear bullish, though with an important caveat about sustainability.
Companies Making Billions From the Iran Conflict As tensions between the US and Iran escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, a range of companies are reaping massive profits from the geopolitical crisis. Energy firms, defense contractors, and shipping-related businesses have all seen surging share prices and profits. The spike in crude oil prices has directly boosted the earnings of oil majors. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes, sees its security situation trigger violent reactions in international oil markets with every fluctuation. Major oil producers benefit from the risk premium driven by supply concerns. ...
US stock futures rise as markets weigh Hormuz Strait tensions; April jobs report due Friday.
Oil Prices Surge After US-Iran Exchange in Strait of Hormuz International crude prices jumped sharply following military exchanges between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is the world’s most critical oil shipping chokepoint, handling approximately one-fifth of global petroleum supply. Any threat to shipping directly impacts international oil markets. Traders reacted quickly, with Brent and WTI crude futures surging on the news. Energy sector stocks rose in tandem, while safe-haven assets like gold also gained. ...
Trade Court Rules Trump Global Tariff Program Illegal The US Court of International Trade has ruled that the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariff program is illegal, delivering a significant blow to the White House’s trade policy. The program had imposed steep tariffs on imports from multiple countries, sparking strong opposition and retaliatory measures from global trade partners. The court found that the president exceeded statutory authority in implementing such broad tariffs. ...
Kalshi Raises $1 Billion at $22 Billion Valuation Prediction market platform Kalshi confirmed a $1 billion funding round at a $22 billion valuation, led by Coatue. The prediction market sector continues to boom, showing the industry is entering the mainstream. Key Points: Source: CoinDesk / The Block Published: 2026-05-08 Impact Score: Tier 1 (8.5/10)