Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Markets Cheer Easing Iran Tensions, AI Trade Revival

U.S. stocks advanced broadly as fears of a wider conflict with Iran subsided, with the Nasdaq leading the charge as investors piled back into technology and artificial intelligence trades. The S&P 500 Index futures climbed 0.2% in premarket trading, reflecting a broader market sentiment shift away from geopolitical jitters. Treasury yields declined as President Trump indicated Tehran was seeking a deal, easing concerns that an escalation could disrupt energy supply chains. Gold and silver futures settled higher amid a shifting outlook on inflation for the second half of the year. U.S. natural gas futures, however in over three months, influenced by a larger-than-expected inventory build and planned maintenance at Freeport LNG.

Corporate Deal-Making and Listings Reflect AI Demand

The artificial intelligence economy in global deal-making, the most in a decade, though questions about sustainability linger. Carlyle agreed to sell its data center power unit for $2.6 billion to EQT, a deal that underscores a bright spot for private equity amid strong demand for AI infrastructure. SK Hynix Inc. priced US of American depositary receipts at $149 each, aiming to revive Asia's route to the U.S. market and capitalize on the frenzy for AI infrastructure. In a significant private credit transaction, Apollo’s $35 billion AI chip credit deal, offering pieces of a large financing package for Broadcom Inc. and Anthropic PB to money managers and dealers.

European Equities Poised for Gains, German Economy Shows Resilience

UBS strategists are now the biggest bulls on European stocks, forecasting an 8% upside driven by stronger earnings and a broadening rally. Germany's economy as the Bank of France lifted its GDP estimate, buoyed by improved activity across all sectors in June. German exports unexpectedly increased in May, reaching their fourth consecutive month of growth, largely due to a strong rebound in shipments to the U.S. However, Germany’s oil industry from a fuel tax reduction intended for motorists, raising questions about the subsidy's reach.

Inflationary Pressures and Consumer Spending Under Scrutiny

Pepsi Co warned rising for U.S. consumers, as recovery in sales volumes lost steam in the second quarter due to surging fuel costs. The company’s CEO sees opportunities in smaller-portion products and teas for mental focus amid evolving consumer habits. Grocery stores have lowered prices as consumers pare spending, although an overall reduction in grocery bills is unlikely. Meanwhile, Seven & i Holdings after a war-driven surge in gasoline prices boosted earnings at its North American convenience-store business.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Market Volatility Persist

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has blocked for now CME Group Inc.'s bid for round-the-clock oil futures trading, citing volume concerns. Polymarket is to offer margin trading in the U.S., a move that would allow users to bet on events with less capital. Nascent platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket pose challenges to compliance policies at heavily regulated banks such as Goldman Sachs, which has limited prediction market betting for employees. Separately, U.S. natural gas futures, the steepest daily decline since March, as traders assessed pipeline expansions and export terminal updates.

Automotive Sector Faces Challenges Amid Shifting Market Dynamics

Volkswagen cutting production as sales in China plunge, struggling to compete with faster-growing Chinese companies offering more affordable electric vehicles. Polestar faces US from next year, impacting its globalization strategy. In contrast, Tata Group in automotive revenue by 2031, outlining growth plans across its four automotive businesses.

Emerging Markets and Currency Movements

Emerging-market stocks amid fluctuating risk appetite, with investors monitoring U.S.-Iran tensions and AI developments. The New Zealand dollar advanced to its highest in over two weeks as strong manufacturing data fueled bets on further monetary tightening. The Taiwan dollar, however, fell to its weakest level since April 2025, impacted by dollar strength and record dividend payouts. Senegal's political situation has increased the likelihood of a debt reprofile rather than a restructuring, according to Citigroup.

Geopolitical Tensions and Oil Market Dynamics

Iran has carrying approximately 11 million barrels of crude in the past 24 hours as tensions with the U.S. flare. Fresh data showed that shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz halved on Wednesday amid renewed fighting, with insurers seeing fewer inquiries for transit. Goldman Sachs noted that a recovery in Middle Eastern oil supplies if renewed tensions disrupt shipping in the Strait. Oil futures retreated on hopes of renewed U.S.-Iran talks following the recent exchange of strikes. Qatar has paused efforts to ramp up liquefied natural gas production after an attack on one of its tankers in the Strait of Hormuz raised fears.