Key Takeaways
- Anthropic is in advanced negotiations to acquire developer tools startup Stainless for at least $300 million, a strategic move to control the SDK infrastructure currently utilized by rivals like OpenAI and Google (GOOGL).
- Commonwealth Bank (CBA) reported a Q3 unaudited cash NPAT of A$2.7 billion, maintaining a strong CET1 ratio of 11.6% despite a largely flat net interest margin.
- MSCI Inc. (MSCI) announced a targeted review of the Turkish market, removing Kiler Holding from its Global Small Cap Index and revising free float assessments for several Turkish securities.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reaffirmed the US-Japan alliance, focusing on critical mineral supply chains and coordinating to address "undesirable" volatility in the foreign exchange markets.
- API inventory data revealed a 2.188 million barrel draw in US crude stocks, significantly higher than the expected 1.65 million, while the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) saw a massive 8.6 million barrel reduction.
Anthropic Targets Developer Infrastructure in $300M Bid
AI heavyweight Anthropic is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire Stainless, a New York-based startup specialized in generating software development kits (SDKs) from APIs. The acquisition, valued at at least $300 million, would give Anthropic control over a critical piece of the developer ecosystem currently leveraged by competitors such as OpenAI and Google (GOOGL). Analysts suggest this move is intended to streamline the integration of Anthropic’s Claude models into third-party applications as the "AI distribution war" intensifies.
Commonwealth Bank Delivers Steady Q3 Earnings
Commonwealth Bank (CBA) showcased resilience in its third-quarter update, posting an unaudited cash NPAT of A$2.7 billion and a statutory net profit of A$2.6 billion. While Net Interest Income (NII) rose 1% quarter-over-quarter, the underlying Net Interest Margin (NIM) remained largely flat after accounting for one-off tailwinds. The bank continues to maintain a robust capital position with a CET1 ratio of 11.6%, even as it made further additions to its collective provisions to buffer against economic uncertainty.
MSCI Index Review Shakes Up Turkish Market
As part of its May 2026 Index Review, MSCI Inc. (MSCI) has initiated a broadened targeted review of Turkish equities. The index provider confirmed that Kiler Holding no longer satisfies membership criteria and will be removed from the MSCI Global Small Cap Indexes. MSCI remains in active discussions with stakeholders regarding free float assessments and the overall investability of the Turkish market, signaling potential for further revisions in upcoming reviews.
US and Japan Strengthen Economic Security Ties
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Japanese officials in Tokyo to solidify bilateral cooperation on economic security and critical minerals. Bessent highlighted the importance of Japan as a "strong ally" in securing supply chains and reducing dependence on non-aligned nations for materials essential to the green energy transition. The two nations also reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring foreign exchange markets, characterizing recent excess volatility in the Yen (JPY) as undesirable and pledging constant coordination between their respective teams.
Energy Markets: API Reports Sharp Crude and SPR Draws
The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a larger-than-expected decline in US crude inventories for the week ending May 8, with stocks falling by 2.188 million barrels. While gasoline inventories saw a modest build of 502,000 barrels, the most striking figure was an 8.6 million barrel draw from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This massive release from the reserve comes as the administration seeks to curb rising fuel prices ahead of the summer driving season, providing a temporary supply cushion in a tightening global market.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.