U.S. markets closed marginally lower as investors navigated escalating Middle East tensions and awaited key tech earnings. Concerns over oil supply risks stemming from the US-Iran conflict were balanced by optimism around strong second-quarter results.

Major companies like Alphabet and Intel are expected to provide crucial insights into growth and overall corporate performance. Veteran strategist Louis Navellier noted that "For stocks to rebound, we need some solid earnings from the key tech names this week, and de-escalation in Iran wouldn’t hurt." Oil prices saw an increase, with Brent crude closing at $89.22 a barrel and U.S. crude at $83.23, near recent highs, influenced by both supply disruption fears and hopes of renewed negotiations.

In other news, H.B. Fuller amended its credit agreement to boost its revolving facility to $800 million. Separately, a U.S. judge ordered Paramount Skydance to pause its $110 billion Warner Bros. acquisition until August 3. Despite market volatility, Black Rock is planning a $12 billion bond sale to fund a Meta-backed data center, highlighting continued investment in AI infrastructure.