Evening digest: Trump claims Iran wants ceasefire, SpaceX IPO, Bitcoin gains

Global markets on Wednesday reacted to renewed geopolitical tensions after Donald Trump’s comments on Iran, while Bitcoin moved higher on improving risk sentiment.

At the same time, SpaceX’s reported IPO filing boosted optimism around the space sector, and fresh US private hiring data pointed to a steady but uneven labor market recovery.

Iran ceasefire claims deepen geopolitical uncertainty

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran’s “New Regime President” had requested a ceasefire with the United States, though he added Washington would only consider the proposal once the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear.”

“Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Iranian officials quickly pushed back. According to Al Jazeera, Tehran denied making any ceasefire request. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “At present there is no negotiation.”

Uncertainty remains over whether any communication took place directly or through intermediaries such as Pakistan. The situation is further complicated by Iran’s political structure, where ultimate authority rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Bitcoin rises as risk sentiment improves

Bitcoin briefly reclaimed the $69,000 level before stabilizing above $68,000, supported by easing geopolitical tensions and improving macro sentiment.

The broader crypto market also recovered, with total market capitalization rising to around $2.45 trillion. Sentiment indicators showed modest improvement, though still within fear territory.

The move higher was driven in part by expectations that the US-Iran conflict could de-escalate, reducing the geopolitical risk premium.

At the same time, falling oil prices and softer US labor market data have reinforced expectations of a more accommodative stance from the Federal Reserve.

However, gains were capped by heavy selling pressure near the $69,000–$70,000 range, which has emerged as a key resistance zone.

SpaceX IPO filing fuels sector optimism

SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering, according to reports, a move that could result in the largest stock market listing in history.

The company is reportedly seeking a valuation exceeding $1.75 trillion, underscoring growing investor confidence in the space economy. The IPO could surpass the record set by Saudi Aramco in 2019 if it raises more than $50 billion.

SpaceX’s growth has been driven by reusable rocket technology and its Starlink satellite internet business, which together have lowered launch costs and created new revenue streams.

The filing follows the company’s merger with xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, further strengthening what analysts describe as the “Muskonomy”—an interconnected network of Musk-led companies.

The potential listing is expected to draw strong demand from both institutional and retail investors, reflecting increasing mainstream interest in space as an investment theme.

US private hiring shows uneven growth

US private sector hiring came in slightly stronger than expected in March, though growth remained concentrated in a few industries.

According to ADP, private payrolls rose by 62,000, exceeding forecasts but only slightly below February’s revised figures.

Job creation was led by healthcare and construction. Education and health services added 58,000 roles, while construction contributed 30,000.

“Overall hiring is steady, but job growth continues to favor certain industries, including health care,” said Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. She added, “That’s really the story. Health care is transforming the labor market.”

Other sectors showed mixed performance. Trade, transportation, and utilities lost 58,000 jobs, while manufacturing shed 11,000 positions.

Smaller firms led hiring, adding 85,000 jobs, while medium and large businesses reduced headcount. Wage growth remained stable, with pay for job stayers rising 4.5% year-on-year.