Hello, I'm Justina Lee, bringing you CNBC's 'Daily Market Opening' from Singapore.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is still "considering" imposing a ban on diesel exports, which has raised concerns in the market about potential further increases in U.S. energy prices. Meanwhile, traders continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East situation due to concerns regarding the stalled peace negotiations between the United States and Iran.
The Pentagon is leveraging the expertise of renowned individuals, including Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to identify the military capabilities, technologies, and weapons that the United States may need in future wars.
Google has released its most advanced AI model – Gemini 4 Argon, and the artificial intelligence competitions continue to progress steadily.
What you need to know today
After Trump indicated that he is still "considering" a ban on diesel exports, investors are closely watching developments related to energy supply. Despite warnings from the U.S. oil industry that such a move will force refineries to cut production and ultimately drive up domestic energy prices,
Diesel is an important energy pillar for America's core industries. Due to the conflict between Iran and Ukraine disrupting global energy flows, diesel prices have soared to record highs.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated, "So there have been many interruptions. But the production of U.S. refiners is operating at record highs," he also said, "You will hear from our friends in Europe announcing that new diesel supplies will enter the market, which will significantly lower diesel prices."
In the Middle East: As news of stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran spreads, concerns about whether a lasting solution to the conflict with Iran can be reached soon are increasing. According to The Times of Israel, Trump stated that it is now "time" to either reach an agreement with Iran or "maybe blow them up."
Against the backdrop of global conflicts, the Pentagon is working to enhance its combat readiness. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday that Tesla, Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, defense technology entrepreneurs, Palmer Larkin, co-founder of Anduril, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have been asked to identify the military capabilities, technologies, and weapons that the United States may need in future wars.
In the market, as traders welcome the start of a new trading month and prepare for this week's employment report later in the week, U.S. stock index futures saw a slight increase. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose by 99 points, or 0.2%; S&P 500 index futures rose by about 0.3%; Nasdaq 100 index futures rose by 0.2%. Asian markets opened on Thursday with mixed gains and losses.
Traders are also digesting the remarks of Neil Kashkari, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. In an exclusive interview with CNBC, he stated, "Inflation is still too high." He also said that the job market looks "quite good," but not yet "very good."
Meanwhile, the competition in artificial intelligence continues to heat up. Google has released its most advanced AI model – Gemini 4 Argon, which is said to have made significant improvements in complex professional tasks, programming, and network security.
The company plans to launch the new model in phases, initially targeting trusted cybersecurity partners, while also collaborating with the U.S. government for a security assessment before its release.
—— Justina Lee
Finally...
David Ellison appoints Ian Creeze as Co-CEO of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, announced on Wednesday that Ian Kriz, who is about to step down as the CEO of Mattel, will be appointed as co-CEO after the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
According to the press release, the two individuals will lead the company as "a team," with Krietz responsible for the operational affairs of the media company. Krietz will assume the role of co-CEO upon the completion of the merger and will also join the company's board of directors.
Paramount stated in a press release: “Ellison will focus on the company’s long-term strategy, creative vision, and direction, including talent relations, strategic partnerships, technology, and capital allocation. Kriz will focus on the company’s day-to-day management as well as the integration of merged businesses.”
—— Catriona Marangi
