Key Takeaways
- Meta Platforms (META) secured a major AI computing deal with Crusoe to access 1.6 gigawatts of capacity across data centers in Texas and Missouri.
- US and Iranian officials launched 60 days of technical talks on Thursday to draft a secret nuclear deal, following a preliminary memorandum of understanding to end regional conflict.
- An FDA advisory committee voted unanimously (9-0) in favor of Moderna's (MRNA) mRNA-1010 seasonal flu vaccine for adults aged 50 and older.
- US net capital inflows plummeted to $26.1 billion in April from $149.3 billion in March, as private-sector flows swung to a $23.1 billion outflow.
- The US Treasury eased specific sanctions on Venezuela, authorizing new licenses for telecommunications, mail services, and transactions involving the state airline Conviasa.
Meta Secures Massive AI Power Grid
Meta Platforms (META) has entered into a significant cooperation agreement with data center provider Crusoe to secure approximately 1.6 gigawatts of AI computing capacity. The deal focuses on large-scale facilities located in Childress, Texas, and Warrenton, Missouri, as Meta continues to aggressively expand its infrastructure for generative AI training and inference.
The scale of the agreement is substantial, as one gigawatt can typically power roughly 750,000 homes. This move follows Crusoe's recent expansion of its Abilene, Texas campus to 1.2 gigawatts, highlighting the unprecedented demand for high-density power to support Nvidia (NVDA) Blackwell-class hardware.
US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations Enter Critical Phase
Technical talks between the United States and Iran officially commenced on Thursday, marking the start of a 60-day window to finalize a secret nuclear proposal. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that several "gentleman's agreements" have already been put in writing as part of a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed earlier this week.
The negotiations aim to dismantle Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium in exchange for broad sanctions relief. While the agreement has already led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a waiver on Iranian oil sanctions, officials warned that a final deal depends on Iran's willingness to accept a permanent security framework for the waterway.
FDA Panel Endorses Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine
The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) delivered a resounding endorsement for Moderna's (MRNA) investigational seasonal flu vaccine, mRNA-1010. The committee voted 9-0 that the vaccine's benefits outweigh its risks for adults aged 50-64 and those 65 and older, clearing a major hurdle for the company's mRNA platform expansion.
The PDUFA goal date for a final FDA decision remains August 5, 2026. If approved, the vaccine—branded as mFlusiva—would be the first mRNA-based influenza shot on the market, offering a faster manufacturing alternative to traditional egg-based vaccines.
Treasury Data Shows Sharp Decline in Capital Inflows
The U.S. Treasury reported that net overall capital inflows slowed to $26.1 billion in April, a steep drop from the $149.3 billion recorded in March. This volatility was primarily driven by a massive shift in the private sector, which saw $23.1 billion in net outflows compared to over $160 billion in inflows the previous month.
Despite the broader slowdown, foreign demand for long-term U.S. assets remained resilient, with net long-term inflows rising to $103.1 billion. Japan remains the largest foreign holder of U.S. Treasuries, increasing its position to $1.210 trillion, while China's holdings remained stable at $651 billion.
Corporate Developments: MSGM and SAMG
Motorsport Games (MSGM) announced the appointment of Peter Hansen-Chambers as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 1, 2026. Current CFO Stanley Beckley will transition into the newly created role of Chief Accounting and Compliance Officer. Hansen-Chambers previously served as Co-CEO of Hutch Games and brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to the racing game publisher.
Silvercrest Asset Management (SAMG) amended its credit agreement with City National Bank, extending its term loan maturity to June 18, 2029. The amendment includes a $5 million term loan commitment and maintains a $10 million revolving credit facility set to mature in June 2027, providing the firm with enhanced long-term liquidity.
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.