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U.S. energy regulator orders overhaul of data center grid rules

The U.S. energy regulator has ordered changes to how data centers connect to the power grid, aiming to modernize rules that have struggled to keep pace with surging AI-driven demand. For utilities and grid operators, the directive could accelerate upgrades and reshape interconnection timelines. For data-center developers, it adds both compliance obligations and potential path-dependency to power projects—especially in constrained regions.

Source: SeekingAlpha All


AbbVie nears ~$10.9B deal for Apogee Therapeutics

AbbVie is reportedly close to acquiring Apogee Therapeutics in a cash-and-deal structure valued around $10.9 billion, signaling pharma’s continued push to replenish late-stage pipelines. The proposed purchase would add new dermatology assets, including an experimental eczema drug, strengthening AbbVie’s positioning in chronic-care markets. Investors will likely focus on integration risk, clinical timelines, and whether the price reflects durable commercial potential versus near-term scientific upside.

Source: SeekingAlpha All


Charles Schwab teams with Cboe on S&P 500 “prediction market-like” contracts

Charles Schwab is partnering with Cboe to offer retail contracts resembling prediction-market outcomes, with initial product ideas tied to whether the S&P 500 finishes above or below specified levels. The proposal matters because it brings “binary” market forecasting closer to mainstream brokerage infrastructure—potentially widening participation in outcome-based trading while keeping products anchored to verifiable financial benchmarks. Regulators and compliance teams will still scrutinize how these offerings are classified and supervised, especially as prediction markets remain politically and legally sensitive in some jurisdictions.

Source: FinanceFeeds


Iran closes Strait of Hormuz citing ceasefire violations; talks set for Sunday

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing ceasefire-related violations, while reporting that negotiators plan to begin talks in Switzerland with Sunday as a target start. The development raises near-term risk premiums for oil and shipping, even as diplomacy efforts could reduce the length and severity of any disruption. For markets, the key question will be whether the move is primarily tactical or signals a sustained escalation affecting crude flows and regional transport costs.

Source: SeekingAlpha All


CME’s crypto perpetual futures lawsuit: TD Cowen says CME has the stronger case

CME is challenging the CFTC’s approval of crypto perpetual futures, arguing that the products should be regulated differently because they do not expire like traditional futures. TD Cowen believes CME’s legal arguments—both procedural and substantive—give it a stronger shot, potentially leading to requests for preliminary injunctive relief that could slow product rollout. The ruling could influence how U.S. regulators classify and supervise similar derivatives, with direct implications for exchanges, brokers, and institutional traders considering U.S. access.

Source: FinanceFeeds


Binance returns to Philippines via BlockShoals “trading access” arrangement

Binance is again accessible to users in the Philippines through an arrangement with BlockShoals, but the structure is deliberately limited—focused on trading access and not authorizing peso transfers or central-bank-regulated services. The Securities and Exchange Commission framework places BlockShoals as the regulated intermediary, while the Bangko Sentral clarifies that sandbox participation does not override licensing requirements for virtual asset services. For users and compliance teams, the practical takeaway is that product scope will remain constrained until regulatory boundaries between securities oversight and central-bank rails are fully aligned.

Source: FinanceFeeds


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Business — June 21, 2026 | Briefing24