Daily Digest — 24 May 2026

Markets rallied on news that President Trump announced a largely negotiated peace agreement with Iran, with the deal reportedly including the crucial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Bitcoin surged 1.6% to \(76,613 as crypto markets responded positively to the geopolitical breakthrough, while oil climbed modestly to \)96.60 despite the prospect of reduced Middle Eastern tensions. Iranian sources revealed details of Tehran’s position, though nuclear weapons remain excluded from the initial framework.

The day was punctuated by violence in Washington, where Secret Service fatally shot a gunman who opened fire at a White House checkpoint, wounding a bystander. President Trump was at the White House during the incident but remained unharmed.

Technology markets showed renewed optimism, with SolarSquare in talks to raise up to $60 million as India’s rooftop solar market attracts major venture capital interest. The company could reach a $500 million valuation, reflecting growing appetite for renewable energy investments across South Asia.

Away from markets, tragedy struck in the Philippines where 19 workers are feared trapped after an unfinished nine-storey building collapsed near Manila. Meanwhile, Americans face persistent inflation pressures heading into the Memorial Day weekend, with travel, recreation and food prices seeing particularly steep increases.