Stocks Surge On Talks Hope, Europe Social Media Curbs, Spain’s $90B Data Center Pain

Your morning briefing. All the news you need to start your day.

On today's podcast:

(1) The US and Iran are considering a two-week ceasefire extension to allow more time to negotiate a peace deal, according to a person familiar with the matter, reducing the risk of renewed fighting despite an intensifying standoff over the Strait of Hormuz.

(2) China’s economic growth rebounded more than expected in the first quarter of 2026, suggesting limited spillovers so far from the war in Iran but revealing few signs of turnaround in weak consumer spending.

(3) Policymakers at the European Central Bank are leaning toward keeping interest rates unchanged this month, postponing their verdict on whether the fallout of the Iran war warrants a response, according to people familiar with the debate.

(4) European wealth hubs are seeing wealthy individuals moving assets into the region in response to the conflict in the Middle East, according to Pictet Group’s Laurent Ramsey.

(5) The EU’s efforts to rein in big tech took another step today as it announced a new age-verification app to keep children safe online.

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