Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Global Markets & Macroeconomic Trends

Global equities experienced a mixed session, with tech stocks facing headwinds following Samsung Electronics’ earnings, even as the AI boom continues to drive demand for memory chips. Asian markets, led by South Korea, saw technology shares come under renewed selling pressure, with Samsung tumbling despite projecting a significant surge in its second-quarter operating profit. This has prompted a stock rotation into less favored sectors with cheaper valuations. In fixed income, Japanese government bonds extended their rally following an auction that saw its strongest demand since 2019, while the yen consolidated amid mixed developments and hedge funds turned the most negative on the currency since 2007 as it nears four-decade lows.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices rose on potential position adjustments ahead of anticipated U.S.-Iran talks, following attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, including the Qatari gas tanker Al Rekayyat hit near Oman. Saudi Arabia slashed its main crude oil price for Asian buyers to a rare discount, indicating a shift in strategy amid a surge of global supply. Japan's Inpex Corp. has secured a 15-year LNG deal from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. Shell’s trading division is expected to report significantly higher results, though its integrated gas production fell due to lost Qatari volumes. European defense stocks saw a rally ahead of a NATO summit, with investors seeking clarity on defense spending plans.

Corporate Dealmaking & Investment

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire Crinetics Pharmaceuticals to bolster its drug pipeline. Lockheed Martin announced its intention to acquire Ultra Maritime, enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. In the German market, Proxima Fusion, a nuclear fusion startup, secured €411 million in a funding round backed by Alphabet’s Google and RWE AG, aiming to develop a fusion plant. Rogers Communications is buying the remaining stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment for C$4.35 billion from Larry Tanenbaum. In India, Cult.Fit Ltd. has filed draft paperwork for a $100 million IPO, a rare debut for a gym operator, while K Raheja Corp. has delayed its $700 million IPO after feedback from bankers.

Central Banks & Economic Policy

China’s central bank, the PBOC, bought the most gold since 2023 in June, extending its buying streak and underscoring a commitment to diversifying reserves. The PBOC also unveiled new measures to cement Hong Kong’s yuan by expanding an investment channel with the mainland. Italy is returning to the U.S. dollar bond market for the first time since the pandemic, seeking to broaden its foreign investor base following credit rating upgrades due to improving finances. Czech inflation slowed more than expected in June below target, presenting a dilemma for the central bank after its rate hike. European Central Bank Governing Council member Fabio Panetta noted a fragile economic outlook with risks to inflation and growth, even as Middle East peace efforts progress.

Technology & AI

The AI boom continues to reshape industries, with Tera Wulf signing a potential $19 billion lease for an AI infrastructure campus in Kentucky. Solstice Advanced Materials plans to acquire Element Solutions for over $12 billion to expand its footprint in electronics and AI infrastructure. German prosecutors have filed the first charges in ‘Operation Chargeback,’ a global payment-fraud scheme valued at €300 million ($343 that allegedly duped millions of credit card holders. The U.S. is concerned that Chinese competitors are using AI distillation techniques to unfairly copy its systems.

Asia Markets & Investment Flows

Foreign investors have returned to India’s financial stocks after a three-month selloff, supported by central bank measures to ease funding constraints for lenders. Global investors are showing renewed interest in India as sentiment improves across its markets. Japan’s offshore bond market saw record quarterly issuance, driven by Japanese borrowers, surpassing China's previous dominance. Hong Kong has launched a trial operation of a new gold clearing system, aiming to become a major bullion-trading hub with price-setting power. JPMorgan Asset Management has trimmed its long yuan positions, shifting focus to higher-yielding currencies as the yuan’s outperformance begins to cool.

European Economic Developments

German industrial production grew for a second month, signaling an exit from the drag caused by geopolitical events, with the auto sector being a key driver. Germany is also set to sweeten terms for gas plant auctions to draw more bids for backup power capacity. Italy’s oldest dairy company is leveraging a new law to borrow against aging cheese, providing finance to food and wine producers. In the UK, corporate defined benefit pension schemes have seen improved funding levels, fueling debate over excess. Euronext is dialing back planned price hikes on trading data after industry pushback.

North American Markets & Companies

Rivian Automotive is offering to sell 75 million shares to meet terms for a U.S. Department of Energy loan for equity contributions. Walmart is lowering prices on thousands of items, including beef and Coca-Cola, a move President Trump praised for lowering costs. Boston Logan International Airport is borrowing $812 million for a revamp, tapping the municipal bond market to keep up with passenger growth. In the payments sector, JPMorgan, Bank of America, and other banks are exploring a deal that could shake up the payments world. Strategy, formerly Micro Strategy, logged an $8.3 billion loss after selling off Bitcoin for less than it paid.

Defense & Geopolitics

New strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz are testing a potential U.S.-Iran cease-fire, with a U.S. official reporting Iranian missiles struck two commercial vessels near Oman. Canada has chosen a German bid over South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean for a landmark submarine contract, picking a German-Norwegian team. European defense stocks saw a rebound ahead of a NATO summit, with investors looking for clarity on member states’ defense spending plans.

Other Notable Developments

Italy is reviving dollar bond sales for the first time since the pandemic, aiming to broaden its pool of foreign investors. Telecel Group is among