Happening Now — September 19, 2026: Buffett Steps Down, US Greenland Deal, Russia Escalates

Overview

Across the wires this Saturday, September nineteenth. In the pre-market, equity futures are mixed. S&P 500 futures are trading around 7,650, pointing to a slightly higher open, while Nasdaq futures suggest a stronger start. In rates, the US 10-Year Treasury yield is up, crossing the five percent mark to 5.01%. In commo

In this show

• Across the wires this Saturday, September nineteenth. In the pre-market, equity futures are mixed. S&P 500 futures are trading around 7,650, pointing to a slightly higher open, while Nasdaq futures suggest a stronger start. In rates, the US 10-Year Treasury yield is up, crossing the five percent mark to 5.01%. In commodities, WTI crude is pulling back to around ninety-nine dollars a barrel, while Gold holds near forty-four hundred. And in crypto, Bitcoin is surging, now trading above eighty thousand dollars. We have a lot to cover with our World Correspondent and our Markets Analyst.
• Here's what's developing at this hour. An era is ending at Berkshire Hathaway as Warren Buffett steps down as chairman at age 96. In geopolitics, a major strategic move in the Arctic: the United States has secured a deal for a permanent military presence in Greenland. Tensions are also escalating in Europe, as intelligence officials warn Vladimir Putin is intensifying hybrid attacks on allies supporting Ukraine. And in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has issued nationwide alerts for a hostile aerial threat. We'll break down these stories and more.
• A monumental shift in American business. At 96, Warren Buffett has stepped down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, the $1 trillion conglomerate he built and has led since 1970. His son, Howard Buffett, who has served on the board for over three decades, will become the new non-executive chairman. The move comes less than a year after Buffett handed the CEO title to Greg Abel. While he will remain on the board as chairman emeritus, this marks the end of an unparalleled chapter in corporate leadership and investing. The transition has been long-planned, but its finality is a major moment for markets.
• In a significant geopolitical development, the United States has finalized an agreement with Denmark and Greenland for a permanent U.S. military presence and security control over the Arctic territory. President Donald Trump announced the deal, stating it gives the U.S. 'permanent control over security' and that development of a larger military footprint will begin immediately. Critically, the agreement reportedly blocks non-NATO members from establishing military bases there and also restricts sensitive investments from strategic adversaries like China and Russia, cementing American influence in the increasingly vital region.
• Western intelligence officials are warning that Vladimir Putin is preparing to escalate his war against Ukraine by intensifying hybrid attacks on European allies. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the 'Russian hybrid threat has intensified,' citing documented aggressive actions by Russian intelligence. These attacks are reportedly targeting critical infrastructure used to supply aid to Ukraine, such as railways and key bridges. The campaign is being interpreted as a deliberate strategy to sow panic, disrupt logistics, and ultimately weaken European resolve and support for Kyiv's defense.
• The fast-fashion giant Shein has stumbled in its market debut. Shares of the online retailer had a lackluster first day on the Hong Kong stock exchange, at one point falling as much as 10% before recovering to close flat. The initial public offering valued the company at approximately $26.5 billion. That's a massive comedown from its peak private valuation of nearly $100 billion back in 2022. The tepid investor response highlights growing concerns over slowing growth, the impact of increased tariffs, and persistent regulatory scrutiny over its labor and business practices in key Western markets.
• A nationwide crisis is unfolding in Cuba. The country's national power grid has collapsed, plunging the entire island and its millions of residents into darkness. Cuba's energy ministry confirmed the failure, which was reportedly triggered by a shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the nation's largest. This catastrophic event is the latest and most severe in a series of widespread outages that have plagued the island. The grid's collapse underscores the fragility of Cuba's aging infrastructure, which is buckling under the pressure of severe fuel shortages and a deepening economic crisis.
• At the United Nations, Russia and China have used their veto power to block a U.S.-drafted Security Council resolution. The measure would have extended the mandate for a panel of UN experts tasked with monitoring sanctions against Iran. The resolution received eleven votes in favor, but the dual vetoes from two permanent members ensure its failure. While this move halts the work of the expert monitoring group, it's important to note that the underlying UN sanctions on Iran, which were reimposed in 2025 following diplomatic breakdowns, remain fully in effect.
• Tensions are spiking in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has issued a series of emergency alerts across the entire country, warning citizens of a 'hostile aerial threat.' The specific nature of the threat has not been disclosed, but the nationwide scope of the warnings suggests a serious and widespread concern. The alerts come as Houthi rebels in Sanaa, Yemen, held a large rally. The demonstration was organized to protest recent Saudi accusations that the group had targeted the holy city of Mecca, a claim the Houthis deny. The situation remains extremely tense and is developing rapidly.
• Russia is holding parliamentary elections that for the first time include residents of four Ukrainian regions illegally annexed by Moscow. The Kremlin is framing the vote as a step toward normalization and a way to legitimize its control over the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. However, officials in Kyiv and across the West have condemned the elections. They describe the process as an illegal and coercive sham, arguing that it is being conducted under military occupation and cannot be considered a free or fair expression of the people's will.
• Turning to a powerful critique of public services. Writer and activist Vijay Prashad has published a new piece titled 'Apocalypse,' detailing his experience in a public hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. He describes an underfunded and overwhelmed system, calling it a microcosm of societal inequality. Prashad paints a harrowing picture of the conditions faced by both patients and staff, framing it as a 'scream in the dark for more public health care funding.' The piece serves as a poignant commentary on the state of public health systems when they are strained by widespread social and economic distress.
• Rocket Lab is in focus today after successfully launching its 96th Electron rocket. The 'Owl By The Dozen' mission deployed a satellite for Synspective, marking the company's 17th successful launch of 2026 and maintaining a 100% success record with the client. This consistent execution in the growing space economy is a key reason investors are watching the stock, even as it trades down nearly 5% today. The company continues to solidify its position as a leading small launch provider.
• United Airlines is a key stock to watch as the airline industry grapples with surging jet fuel costs. Crude oil prices remaining over $100 a barrel are forcing carriers, including United, to scale back their flight schedules to protect margins. This comes just as the company announced a partnership with DISH to stream live football on flights, an initiative to attract more premium customers. Investors are weighing the impact of higher costs against strong travel demand and new passenger perks.
• Merck is trading actively as the pharmaceutical sector reacts to a new 'Most Favored Nation' drug pricing initiative announced by the President. The plan aims to lower prescription drug costs, creating uncertainty for major drugmakers. This news overshadows Merck's launch of a new HIV Whole-Person Health Program at a major conference today. With a key FDA decision on a label update for WINREVAIR expected on September 21st, the market is closely watching how potential pricing pressures could impact future revenues for key treatments.
• As we head into the afternoon, we'll be watching for any further developments out of Saudi Arabia and for official reactions to the sham elections being conducted by Russia in Ukraine. Domestically, authorities in Chicago are grappling with a violent weekend that has seen at least seven fatalities in multiple shootings. And for sports fans, one thing to watch tonight will be NASCAR's Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The top drivers will face off under the lights at the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway. We'll be back this afternoon with more developing stories. Stay with us.