US President Donald Trump speaks to journalists before boarding Marine One as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 20, 2026 for his Mar-a-Lago residence.
Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images
Hello, this is Leonie Kidd writing to you from London. Welcome to another edition of CNBC’s Daily Open.
On Wednesday, markets seem to be taking a report of a 15-point peace plan from President Trump as a sign of de-escalation in the war that is ongoing in Iran and across the Middle East.
It’s shaky on the details, but The New York Times reports that the plan addresses ballistic missiles, nuclear programs and maritime routes. Given the lack of clarity around who the U.S. is actually negotiating with, concerns are running high that this could be more of a wish list than a peace plan.
For today at least, markets are seeing the positive.
What you need to know today
President Donald Trump reiterated on Tuesday that the U.S. and Iran were “in negotiations right now” and suggested Tehran was eager to make a peace deal, even as the Islamic Republic denies it is in direct talks with Washington.
Those comments were followed by a report from The New York Times, citing two unnamed officials, suggesting that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war.
That plan was reportedly sent through Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying on Tuesday that his country was willing to facilitate talks between the warring parties.Â
Across markets, oil prices are retreating in early trade. TotalEnergies boss Patrick Pouyanne told CNBC in an exclusive interview later on Tuesday that the world has “never experienced” soaring refining margins like these current conditions. In another interview with The Telegraph, Shell CEO Wael Sawan warned Europe could face a fuel shortage within days.
In equity markets, South Korean stocks led Asia broadly higher, while European indices also look set to open in the green amid hopes of more material steps towards de-escalation.
In corporate news, Meta is granting stock options to key leaders in an effort to retain talent as pressure intensifies on the company to bolster its position in artificial intelligence.
The executives in the incentive plan include CFO Susan Li, technology chief Andrew Bosworth, Chief Product Officer Christopher Cox and operating chief Javier Olivan, according to SEC filings released on Tuesday evening. CEOÂ Mark Zuckerberg, with a net worth of over $200 billion, is not part of the plan.
“This is a big bet,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement.
— Leonie Kidd
And finally…
David Blitzer and Blackstone-backed group snaps up Indian cricket franchise for $1.8 billion
A consortium comprising Blackstone and serial American sports investor David Blitzer among others, has acquired the Indian Premier League’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise in a 166 billion rupees ($1.78 billion) deal.
Blitzer is among the world’s most prominent sports investors and holds stakes in franchises across major leagues, including the English Premier League, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball.
The transaction underscores growing investor interest in the IPL, often dubbed as the world’s richest cricket league.Â
— Priyanka Salve
