1. Pull-ups
Traders were busy at the New York Stock Exchange recently. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump mentioned that there’s “no need to rush” into a deal to conclude the war with Iran. He brought up the possibility of escalating military actions if an agreement isn’t achieved.
Here’s what else is happening:
2. Death of the Unicorn
Glossier’s storefront in New York is emblematic of the changing landscape for startups. The surge in artificial intelligence has significantly altered startup valuations for this generation. Many once-promising firms are now struggling, as noted in a report by CNBC.
Data from PitchBook reveals that almost half of U.S. unicorns haven’t secured funding in the past three years. Companies once valued in the billions, such as The Farmer’s Dog and Glossier, now find themselves labeled as “failed unicorns.” The same report indicated that startups which last raised funds in 2021 saw their valuations plummet by an average of 68%, with those from 2022 dropping by around 52%.
3. Greg the Builder
In the La Solara community of Dublin, California, a Taylor Morrison Home Corporation sign stands outside a home currently under construction. Berkshire Hathaway, based in Omaha, has announced an agreement to acquire Taylor Morrison Homes for $6.8 billion. They’ll pay $72.50 per share in cash, representing a 24% premium compared to last week’s closing stock price. This acquisition marks one of the first significant moves under new CEO Greg Abel, aiming to tighten Berkshire’s ties to the real estate market. Pre-market trading saw Taylor Morrison shares rise about 22%.
However, it’s worth noting that the timing for this deal might not be optimal for investors, as Berkshire’s B shares are trading below the stock price, indicating a notable disparity this year.
4. Busy season
A shopper browses at a Walmart location in Chicago. The retail sector has shown unexpected strength in the first quarter, but as reported by CNBC, some significant challenges lay ahead.
Despite rising gas prices and tough economic conditions, consumer spending has remained steady, possibly buffered by increased tax refunds. Guidance from major players like Walmart suggests that the loss of these refunds could lead to tougher times for shoppers moving forward. Additionally, Moody’s Analytics pointed out that the average household in the U.S. has paid about $450 more for energy since the onset of the war with Iran, amounting to roughly $60 billion.
5. Disney’s Frontline
At Disney Upfront 2026, Rita Ferro, the global head of advertising for the media giant, is gearing up for a pivotal year in 2027, which will feature major events like the Super Bowl, Oscars, and Grammys.
According to CNBC, Ferro is currently deep into negotiations with advertisers, marking nearly three decades at Disney. She emphasized that cultivating fandom will be crucial for Disney while also focusing on the company’s intellectual assets and global strategies.
Daily Dividend
Here’s what we’re keeping an eye on this week:
— Contributions from multiple CNBC reporters and editors.
