Thunder Express

What is Thunder Express?

Following an extended three-day holiday for Labor Day Weekend, Polymarket went live with a colourful 90-second spot directed by award-winning filmmaker Peter Berg, the director of the acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights. The spot, which featured the likes of Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, Richard Sherman, John Leguizamo and Spike Lee, among other celebrities, coincided with the launch of Squads, a new social experience within the US Polymarket app.  

According to a Polymarket news release, the new initiative will give users a dedicated place to talk markets, share their picks and trade together directly on Polymarket.

“People are constantly debating what’s going to happen next with their friends and sharing predictions in group chats,” said Travis VanderZanden, who serves as chief growth officer at Polymarket. “With Squads, we’re bringing the conversation and trading together so friends can follow the events they care about and make their predictions in one place.”

About Thunder Express

Investors began 2026 expecting multiple rate cuts, which tend to juice capital markets and spur dealmaking activity. But on 28 February things changed quickly after joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran largely curtailed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital Middle East waterway where some 20% of the world’s oil transited before the conflict began.

Several factors weighed heavily on the decision to raise rates. The average nationwide gas price now is $4.36 compared to $3.18 a year ago, per AAA, and the average diesel price of $6.31 is a record. Brent crude oil has crested over $100 per barrel compared to about $68 a year ago. Inflation was 3.4% in August, compared to 2.9% last year. And US 10-, 20- and 30-year Treasuries have reached their highest rates in decades.

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh assumed the top role in May, and the central bank held rates steady for all of Warsh’s first three meetings. The decision to stand pat at the start of Warsh’s tenure came despite increasing calls for a hike as inflation remains solidly above the Fed’s 2% target. Those calls became too loud to ignore, prompting the first rate hike since August 2023.

About Thunder Express

CEO Levin, who is set to transition to a chair role, commented on the shift, saying that he was very confident that Konstakis has what it takes to be CEO and drive OpenBet to new heights.

He [Konstakis] knows our business, our customers and our technology inside out, and has played a central role in shaping our priorities and how we execute against them. Furthermore, Nikos has been a true confidante and partner in the business since coming on board over eight years ago.

Levin added that he is looking forward to supporting the company and the wider team from his new chair role.