The Markets, KKR, & Intel 5-11-26 - Becker Business

Summary2 min read

Becker Business & Becker Private Equity Podcast

Episode: The Markets, KKR, & Intel
Host: Scott Becker
Date: May 11, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker delivers concise, data-driven updates on the morning’s top business news. From volatile market momentum and geopolitical developments to high-profile stock surges and private equity performance, Becker breaks down the headlines that matter for investors and business professionals. The tone is direct, energetic, and focused on actionable insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Morning Markets Snapshot

[00:57]
- “The markets after pointing slightly down early, are pointing up today so far.”
- Oil prices are also trending upwards.

2. Geopolitical Update: U.S. & Iran

[01:08]
- “President Trump rejects Iran's latest negotiation response. He rejects it as totally unacceptable, per Bloomberg. We'll see how that plays out.”
- Highlights ongoing uncertainty and potential market impact from foreign policy developments.

3. Market Recovery: From ‘Outhouse’ to ‘Penthouse’

[01:16]
- Markets have rebounded sharply in the last six weeks.
- “The NASDAQ is now up almost 16% year to date. The S&P is up 7.5% year to date. They've really had a reversal in Fortune.”
- Becker’s metaphor: “From the gutter to being in the penthouse or from the outhouse of the penthouse…”

4. Private Equity Struggles: KKR

[01:33]
- “What's not hit a reversal in Fortune is the PE stocks. KKR is still down about 20% year to date and the PE firms continue to struggle.”
- Suggests ongoing challenges in private equity despite broader market gains.

5. Intel’s Meteoric Rise & Big Deal

[01:44]
- “Intel is on fire. It's up nearly 240% year to date. Continues to be on fire.”
- Notable new partnership: “It's got a new big deal with Meta Platforms. Simply fascinating to watch.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Market Sentiment:
“The markets have gone from being in the gutter to being in the penthouse or from the outhouse of the penthouse over the last six weeks.”
— Scott Becker [01:18]
On Private Equity:
“KKR is still down about 20% year to date and the PE firms continue to struggle.”
— Scott Becker [01:33]
On Intel’s Run:
“Intel is on fire. It's up nearly 240% year to date.”
— Scott Becker [01:44]
Geopolitical Uncertainty:
“President Trump rejects Iran's latest negotiation response. He rejects it as totally unacceptable, per Bloomberg.”
— Scott Becker [01:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

Morning Market Update: [00:57]
US/Iran Negotiation Update: [01:08]
Major Indices Reversal: [01:16]
Private Equity & KKR Struggles: [01:33]
Intel Surge & Meta Deal: [01:44]

Takeaways

The stock markets are showing signs of a significant rebound, with tech indices leading the way.
Private equity firms, exemplified by KKR, have yet to join in the recovery, remaining well below their year-start.
Intel’s extraordinary stock surge, powered by a major Meta Platforms partnership, stands out as a headline-grabber.
Ongoing geopolitical negotiations (specifically U.S.–Iran) remain a wildcard for investors.

This episode delivers fast-paced, headline-rich insights for anyone tracking business and market moves in 2026.

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Transcript5 lines

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[00:57]
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This is Scott Becker with the Becker Business and the Becker Private Equity Podcast. These are five stories that we're following this morning. First, the markets after pointing slightly down early, are pointing up today so far. Oil prices are also pointing up. Second, President Trump rejects Iran's latest negotiation response. He rejects it as totally unacceptable, per Bloomberg. We'll see how that plays out. Third, the markets have gone from being in the gutter to being in the penthouse or from the outhouse of the penthouse over the last six weeks. The NASDAQ is now up almost 16% year to date. The S&P is up 7.5% year to date. They've really had a reversal in Fortune 4. Fourth, what's not hit a reversal in Fortune is the PE stocks. KKR is still down about 20% year to date and the PE firms continue to struggle finally. Fifth, intel is on fire. It's up nearly 240% year to date. Continues to be on fire. It's got a new big deal with meta platforms. Simply fascinating to watch. We'll see how that goes. Thank you for listening to the Becker Business and the Becker Private Equity Podcast. Thank you so much for listening.
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