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Wall Street hits fresh records to start May

U.S. stocks opened May at new record highs, buoyed by tech strength and easing oil prices. A blowout quarter and a $100B buyback from Apple added momentum, while investors weighed resilient growth against sticky inflation and policy uncertainty.

Source: Seeking Alpha


Spirit Airlines prepares for shutdown as rescue deal falters

Spirit is preparing to wind down operations after a potential government-backed rescue unraveled, according to reports. The ultra-low-cost carrier faces mounting liquidity pressure amid elevated fuel costs and weakening demand, raising the risk of capacity disruptions and industry consolidation.

Source: Seeking Alpha


EU hits European automakers with increased trade tariffs over deal violations

European carmakers were slapped with higher tariffs following findings of violations tied to EU trade agreements. The move adds a fresh headwind for an industry already navigating EV transitions, supply-chain retooling, and sluggish demand in key markets.

Source: Seeking Alpha


Cboe posts strong Q1 and unveils deep restructuring with 20% job cuts

Cboe Global Markets reported a 29% jump in net revenue and a 54% rise in EPS for Q1, powered by record index options activity. Management advanced a strategic realignment—selling noncore businesses, lowering 2026 expense guidance, and targeting a 20% workforce reduction—to focus on core derivatives, market data, and clearing expansion.

Source: Finance Magnates


Santander completes €3.3B purchase of TSB from Sabadell

Sabadell finalized the sale of TSB to Santander for €3.3B, sharpening Sabadell’s focus on core Spanish operations while boosting Santander’s UK retail presence. The deal lifts Santander to a stronger position in current accounts and accelerates scale benefits in a key European market.

Source: FinanceFeeds


SBI moves to acquire Bitbank as Japan’s crypto market consolidates

SBI Holdings entered formal talks to make Bitbank a consolidated subsidiary, following its absorption of Bitpoint Japan into SBI VC Trade. With tighter domestic rules approaching, the tie-up would create one of Japan’s largest regulated crypto platforms and deepen SBI’s push into tokenization and digital-asset infrastructure.

Source: Finance Magnates


U.S. Senate unanimously bans members and staff from prediction-market trading

In a rare bipartisan move, the Senate prohibited members, staff, and officers from trading on platforms such as Polymarket or Kalshi to shore up public trust and reduce perceived conflicts. The vote follows a wave of scrutiny over event contracts and insider trading risks as prediction markets scale rapidly.

Source: FinanceFeeds


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Business — May 2, 2026 | Briefing24