May 27, 2026
Hey everyone. I grabbed a triple espresso and separated the wheat from the chaff. Tensions in the Middle East have taken center stage, but there's IPO smoke in the air. Let's get straight to what affects your bottom line.
Summary: The U.S. bombed an Iranian military facility in the Strait of Hormuz region, threatening the fragile ceasefire and oil passage.
I Would Reduce — Exposure to oil and maritime logistics has become a geopolitical lottery. I would reduce positions in XOM (Exxon) and GLNG (Golar LNG) in the short term. The risk premium has spiked.
Assets / sectors in focus: Oil (Brent), maritime insurance, food (wheat/soybeans), CCJ (grain transport).
Summary: The World Bank reported a 5% rise in global food prices following the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, reaching 2024 levels.
I Would Reduce — Food inflation squeezes consumers and erodes margins for retailers and fast-food chains. Exit MCD and KR (Kroger) for now.
Assets / sectors in focus: Food retail, fast-food, ADM (agricultural trading), commodity ETFs (DBA).
Summary: Euphoria over the imminent SpaceX IPO (unlisted) has lifted shares of related companies, such as ASTS (AST SpaceMobile) and RKLB (Rocket Lab).
I Would Buy — The “SpaceX tide” lifts all boats in the space sector. The hype is real and capital flow will continue. I would buy ASTS and RKLB to ride the wave.
Assets / sectors in focus: ASTS, RKLB, SPCE (Virgin Galactic), aerospace defense.
Summary: The SEC announced a comprehensive reform of IPO rules to revive public markets, including easing regulations for crypto companies.
I Would Buy — Less bureaucracy means more IPOs, more liquidity, and a direct benefit for investment banks and exchanges. I would buy COIN (Coinbase) and GS (Goldman Sachs).
Assets / sectors in focus: COIN, GS, MS (Morgan Stanley), venture capital, and cryptocurrencies (BTC).
Summary: Startup Hermeus, backed by Sam Altman and Peter Thiel, completed the first supersonic flight of its hypersonic military aircraft.
I Would Buy — Cutting-edge defense technology always attracts billion-dollar contracts. Exposure via RTX (RTX Corporation) or LDOS (Leidos) is a solid way to play the sector.
Assets / sectors in focus: RTX, LDOS, BA (Boeing Defense), engine suppliers, and composite materials.
Summary: The indirect impact of the Iran war is hitting British households, with a projected £200 annual increase in domestic energy costs.
I Would Hold — Utilities are defensive and essential. Hold NG (National Grid) and SSE (SSE plc), but do not increase positions now since peak gas prices are already priced in.
Assets / sectors in focus: NG, SSE, natural gas (Henry Hub), European energy consumers.
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