Elon Musk's SpaceX filed to sell 555.6 million shares at $135, targeting a jaw-dropping ~$1.77 trillion valuation and setting up what could be one of the biggest IPOs ever (AP); markets are already pricing the shockwaves. [P]At the same time, Middle East tensions pushed WTI above $90–$91/barrel, lifting energy stocks and stoking inflation worries even as the Fed signals it may hold rates — a squeeze that’s hitting airlines, Caterpillar, and household budgets (Yahoo Finance). Add AI-driven hardware demand (GPU/memory price pressure), big data-center deals and layoffs across Big Tech, and the picture is clear: infrastructure and labor are being rewired by both geopolitics and AI investment.

A new $250 million fund from Creative Artists Agency and TPG aims to bankroll YouTube stars and podcasters building media empires, signaling institutional confidence in creator-led businesses (Bloomberg). [P]Meanwhile, a Fidelity study finds 7 in 10 Americans would consider gig work or entrepreneurship over traditional retirement — and grassroots AI literacy efforts plus lab-to-market tech deals (like GridForge licensing ORNL frameworks) show founders are hedging with skills and infrastructure plays to survive the next cycle (Yahoo Finance).