Alternative Investing Report - July 2, 2026

*as of 7/1; Sources: S&P, BTC, FTSE, DJRE, GOLD

A new poll found that American voters across both major political parties are worried about the growth of AI, with 56% of those polled expressing concern and only 18% expressing excitement. Nearly 80% want there to be mandatory standards for AI companies, but the majority do not trust the government to create the regulations necessary. Older respondents were more likely to be concerned, but even voters under 35 are more concerned than excited. This public anxiety shows that AI companies still have a lot of work to do with their messaging, and may eventually face stricter regulations and standards.

🚀 Bending Spoons IPO: The Italian owner of AOL, Vimeo, and other brands raised $1.68 billion at a $18.4 billion valuation, and the share price jumped by 40% in its first day of trading on the Nasdaq. Its performance is a good sign for software companies, which have faced concerns over AI disruptions.

📊 Private employment report: Payroll processor ADP’s private employment report showed a gain of 98,000 private sector jobs in June, slightly below both May’s numbers and expectations. A more complete picture of the labor market will come with the release of today’s official U.S. jobs report.

🏢 Senior housing tops forecasts: Real estate firm Green Street is forecasting that the senior housing sector will be the top performer in commercial real estate in the next few years, as current demand far outstrips supply. They project double digit percentage net operating income growth at least through 2028, with high quality assets likely to attract demand from institutional buyers.

🪙 Trump’s huge crypto gains: Even as the industry struggles and the price of Bitcoin has been cut in half, President Trump made more than $1.4 billion in crypto in his first year back in office. This enrichment is not a good look for an industry still struggling for credibility among mainstream Americans.

🥍 Premier Lacrosse League fundraise: The professional lacrosse league raised $100 million in financing from investors such as actors Rob McElhenney and Glen Powell who are searching for the next breakout sports league.

🎨 Christie’s Old Masters auction: The auction house’s Old Masters sale in London brought in $51.4 million, slightly above the pre-sale high estimate. Collectors gravitated towards rare and historically significant work, with the Dutch painter Jan van Huysum setting new auction records.

Monday: 🎰 New prediction markets, 📊 Consumer sentiment increases
Tuesday: 🪙 Strategy concerns, 🚀 Quantum funding record
Wednesday: 🏡 Housing market update, 📈 Record-high share sales

Have a great weekend!