Markets 3 Hours

Public Markets

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Markets React to Inflation Data and Geopolitical Tensions

U.S. stocks climbed on Thursday, with the Nasdaq Composite leading the advance, as investors digested new economic data. Gross domestic product growth, while the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge eased during a brief pause in the conflict with Iran. Treasury yields edged higher as investors grappled with U.S. indicators and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s future plans. Meanwhile, U.S. natural gas futures declined ahead of a key inventory report.

Corporate and Industry Developments

Amazon’s autonomous vehicle unit, Zoox, received clearance to begin paid robotaxi rides, marking a significant step for purpose-built self-driving technology. In the pharmaceutical sector, Sanofi shares slid sharply after its CEO signaled challenges in replenishing the company’s drug pipeline and indicated a revamp of its research-and-development operations. BP announced plans to as the U.K. oil major warned of an “oversupply” in the oil market. Ferrari reported higher profits, driven by hyper-personalization and AI wealth initiatives, with custom services expected to comprise as much as 20% of revenue. Mastercard’s sales increased in the second quarter, propelled by robust growth in its payment network.

Global Trade and Geopolitical Undercurrents

Private Equity

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Private Equity Funds and Dealmaking

Savano Capital Partners that has already made 12 investments. In other deal news, Platinum Equity agreed to acquire a 50% stake in Nestlé's waters and premium beverages business for $3.4bn, creating a new entity called Peranel with an enterprise value of €4.9bn ($5.6bn). Separately, TSG Consumer is set to acquire the body care brand Saltair, which was previously backed by Prelude Growth Partners. Meanwhile, Blackstone’s energy transition group is acquiring ultrasonic inspections company Dark Vision from Koch, while Macquarie is reportedly exploring a sale of its waste-to-energy company, Win Waste.

Venture Capital Trends and Investments

Venture capitalists are increasingly within their portfolio companies, a shift driven by the need to actively guide startups through complex market landscapes. In a significant funding round, Inforcer in a Series C led by Insight Partners to bolster its AI and security risk preparation services for smaller businesses. Vanessa Larco, formerly of NEA based on their potential and their ability to leverage artificial intelligence, rather than solely on initial business ideas. Sweden’s pension fund Alecta, with €126.7bn in assets, is focusing on disciplined entry pricing as a key metric for value creation, with purchase multiples now seen as the new DPI (distributions to paid-in according to its head of alternatives.

Sector Investment

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Healthcare Deal Activity

Peak Rock Capital completed an acquisition of Asembia, a pharmaceutical services company, through an affiliate.