Happening Now — September 28, 2026: Hormuz Tensions, AI Selloff, UK Terror Arrests

Overview

Happening now, Monday, September 28th. U.S. stock futures are pointing to a lower open, with S&P 500 futures down about a quarter of a percent. In the wider markets, the US 10-yr UST yield is at 5.23%. Volatility is climbing, with the VIX at 16.11. WTI crude is surging over three percent to $95.54 a barrel amid geopoli

In this show

• Happening now, Monday, September 28th. U.S. stock futures are pointing to a lower open, with S&P 500 futures down about a quarter of a percent. In the wider markets, the US 10-yr UST yield is at 5.23%. Volatility is climbing, with the VIX at 16.11. WTI crude is surging over three percent to $95.54 a barrel amid geopolitical news. Gold prices are plunging, now at $4,150. Bitcoin is trading lower around $82,780, and the US Dollar Index is firm at 101.39. We have a packed show with our Markets Analyst and our World Correspondent. Let's get right to the headlines.
• Across the wires this hour, tensions are escalating in the Middle East as President Trump rejects an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices higher. In the United Kingdom, a major counter-terrorism operation is underway after five men were arrested near a U.S. air base on suspicion of preparing an attack. And in the tech world, Meta's new AI agent, 'Muse,' is sending ripples through the market, triggering a selloff in financial stocks as investors weigh the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence.
• The White House has formally rejected a proposal from Iran aimed at reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz. While the full details of the offer remain under wraps, the rejection has had an immediate market impact. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped over two-and-a-half percent and is now trading around $107 a barrel. The move heightens geopolitical risk in the region significantly. Diplomatic channels are said to remain open, with Qatar reportedly mediating talks, but for now, the status of the crucial shipping lane remains a major point of contention.
• A new AI agent from Meta is shaking up the financial sector. The agent, named 'Muse,' has seen a rapid ascent, reaching 2.5 million downloads in just two weeks. This explosive growth has triggered a notable selloff in financial stocks. The S&P 500 Financials Index dropped nearly 2% on the news. Companies like the outlet and LPL Financial saw significant declines. The market reaction signals deep investor concern that sophisticated AI agents could disrupt the business models of wealth management and traditional financial services firms far sooner than anticipated.
• In the UK, authorities have arrested five men near RAF Fairford, a key air base used by the U.S. Air Force. The arrests were made on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The operation began Sunday morning after police received reports of suspicious vehicles near the base. Authorities have since confirmed that suspected explosive devices were found at the scene. A major investigation is now underway to determine the plot's specifics and to see if the incident has any links to the rising tensions with Iran. The area around the base remains cordoned off.
• A major fintech deal may be in the works. Brazilian digital banking giant Nubank is reportedly in early-stage talks to acquire the UK's Monzo. The potential deal is valued between eight and ten billion pounds. That valuation is nearly double what Monzo was worth in its last funding round, signaling significant strategic interest from Nubank. The acquisition would mark a major move for Nubank's parent company, Nu Holdings, allowing it to expand beyond its Latin American stronghold and into the highly competitive UK and European markets.
• In U.S. politics, a widening feud between President Trump and the press corps is leading to a notable shift in media coverage. A growing number of the president's major public appearances are now going uncovered by mainstream media outlets. This blackout is raising serious questions about the political implications for the president and the potential for a less informed electorate. This marks a new and unprecedented phase in the contentious relationship between the White House and the media, with both sides digging in and no resolution in sight.
• Gold is taking a beating today, with prices plunging over 3% to fall below $4,200 an ounce. The sharp decline is being driven by increasingly hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve officials. That language has boosted market expectations for another interest rate hike in October. The sell-off is compounded by a stronger U.S. dollar, which makes gold more expensive for foreign buyers, and rising Treasury yields, which offer investors a safer return. It's a classic macro storm for the precious metal, which is now trading at multi-week lows.
• A new investigation in the UK has uncovered a massive problem on the roads: thousands of cars fitted with illegal 'ghost plates.' These are cloned or specially designed license plates meant to be invisible to automatic number plate recognition, or ANPR, cameras. These cameras are used for everything from congestion charging to law enforcement. The report highlights the significant road safety risks posed by these untraceable vehicles, which are often used in other criminal activities. The government is now under pressure to implement new technologies to counter the problem.
• Bitcoin is also caught in the broader market sell-off this morning, with its price falling about 2.7% to dip below the $83,000 mark. The slide is being attributed to the same macro headwinds hitting other asset classes: concerns over rising interest rates and simmering geopolitical tensions. Despite the daily drop, institutional interest appears to remain strong. U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs just posted their largest weekly inflow of 2026 last week, pulling in a massive $2.39 billion, suggesting long-term investors may be viewing this dip as a buying opportunity.
• In the world of sports, the New York Mets have officially concluded their 2026 season in disappointment, finishing with a 74-88 record. This marks the first time since 2003 that the team has finished last in its division. While there were some bright spots from a young core of players, the overall performance fell far short of expectations for the high-payroll club. The conclusion of the season now kicks off what is expected to be a consequential offseason, with major questions looming for the front office around roster construction and overall team strategy for 2027.
• Bloom Energy is today's standout performer, surging over 8% to trade around $288.87. This significant move comes as the deadline for a securities fraud lawsuit approaches, creating a volatile trading environment. The company recently reported a 165.5% year-over-year increase in quarterly revenue. This juxtaposition of strong performance and legal challenges is making for a compelling session.
• Zscaler is trading down sharply today, off more than 10% at roughly $193.05. The cybersecurity firm recently announced the appointment of a new Chief Revenue Officer, effective October 1st. While the company beat earnings expectations in its last report, this leadership change appears to be creating uncertainty among investors, leading to today's significant sell-off.
• Faraday Future is experiencing a massive rally, with the stock up over 300% to $6.49. The surge is tied to the company's "Built in USA" Upstream & Downstream Business Partner Conference taking place today. The electric vehicle and AI company also recently announced strategic cooperation agreements in the Middle East, fueling investor optimism and today's incredible price action.
• So a risk-off tone as we head toward the opening bell on Wall Street. What we'll be watching as the session develops is whether the pressure on financial and tech stocks continues, and how energy stocks react to that spike in crude oil. The one thing to watch after the close today will be earnings from Vail Resorts. The report will give us a fresh read on high-end consumer spending habits and a crucial outlook for the upcoming ski season. That's all for now. We'll be back this afternoon with more developing stories. Stay with us.