June 17 Overseas Headlines: SpaceX Soars 49% After IPO, Apple to Launch Camera AirPods and Foldable iPhone Next Year
Global financial media overnight and this morning jointly focused on these top headlines:
International and Tech Market Highlights
1. Iran expected to reap broad economic gains from US deal, including immediate oil sales and $300 billion development fund
2. Apple to launch AirPods with cameras and foldable iPhone next year
3. SpaceX surges 49% after IPO, market cap nears Amazon
4. US Commerce Secretary sends letter to Anthropic warning to restrict use of top AI models
5. Goldman Sachs's M&A advisory deals surpass $1 trillion this year, fastest record ever
6. Shell CEO: Oil prices likely to stay high even if Iran conflict ends
Iran deal may bring massive economic returns
According to a near-final draft agreement, as part of a deal with the US, Iran will receive broad economic incentives, including the right to immediately sell oil, access to a $300 billion development fund, and eventual access to its frozen assets.
The general content of the memorandum of understanding has been circulating for days. However, the version seen by Bloomberg News is the most complete so far in detailing the economic boost Iran stands to gain if it ends control over the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirms its pledge to never seek nuclear weapons.
The two sides are scheduled to formally sign the agreement on June 19 in Switzerland, paving the way for 60 days of subsequent talks to finally end the war and impose strict new limits on Iran's nuclear program. A person familiar with the matter said technical details are still being finalized, meaning the specific wording could still change.
Apple accelerates AI device plans
Apple plans to launch AirPods equipped with cameras by the end of 2027, as part of a new product lineup that will help the company enter the AI device market.
According to people familiar with the matter, Apple plans to release this device around the launch of its next-generation foldable phone and a new model commemorating the 20th anniversary of the iPhone.
The sources said this would be Apple's biggest product launch ever. The products are expected to provide growth momentum for Apple after John Ternus takes over as CEO on September 1.
SpaceX stock surges after IPO
SpaceX rose for a third consecutive day on Tuesday, surpassing Amazon to become the world's fifth-largest company by market cap.
SpaceX shares closed up 4.8%, pushing its market cap to $2.65 trillion, about $80 billion higher than Amazon. During intraday highs, Elon Musk's rocket and AI company briefly overtook Microsoft to become the world's fourth-largest company by market cap.
At least part of the rally stems from the limited number of SpaceX shares available for trading, with only about 4.2% of total shares outstanding on the first trading day. This could lead to more volatile price swings and large market cap fluctuations.
Lutnick sends letter to Anthropic tightening AI model use
US Commerce Secretary Lutnick warned Anthropic PBC in a letter last week that if the company allows foreign nationals to use its most advanced AI models, it must obtain prior US government approval, or face criminal and civil penalties. Bloomberg News obtained a copy of the letter.
The letter, dated last Friday, requires Anthropic not to grant access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models to foreign nationals in any region globally without Commerce Department permission.
Lutnick did not explain why these restrictions are necessary, but in the letter he cited US law giving the government the right to impose export controls on civilian technologies that could be used by rival militaries for intelligence activities.
Goldman Sachs M&A advisory sets record
Goldman Sachs's investment bankers have just broken a speed record.
According to Dealogic data, the total value of M&A deals on which Goldman Sachs has advised this year has exceeded $1 trillion, making it the fastest bank to reach this milestone ever.
Bloomberg-compiled data shows that total announced M&A deals so far this year are about $1.7 trillion, excluding the merger of SpaceX and xAI. That's roughly in line with the same period in 2021, the peak M&A year.
Shell bullish on long-term oil prices
Shell CEO Wael Sawan predicts a long-term rally in oil and gas prices driven by growing global demand.
The oil giant's CEO said that even if the current geopolitical tensions driving oil price gains subside, oil and gas prices are likely to continue rising as global energy demand expands.
Sawan said the upward trend in oil prices will be long-term, with a range of $60–70 per barrel maintaining market stability.
