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Last updated: July 10, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Markets Digest: Tech Listings, Commodity Jitters, and AI’s Shadow

SK Hynix Inc. debuted on Nasdaq raising a record $26.5 billion, the largest-ever US listing by a foreign firm, with its American depositary receipts indicated to open 21% above the offering price stating the company is open to issuing more US shares if returns remain strong. The blockbuster listing is spurring Nasdaq to anticipate more international companies considering US listings. In the chip sector, Morgan Stanley as pricing power appears limited, while investors were selling longer-dated AI debt amid a Big Tech borrowing spree, signaling skepticism over the sector’s long-term profitability. Meanwhile, US natural gas futures following a larger-than-expected inventory build and planned maintenance at Freeport LNG.

Geopolitical Tensions and Commodity Markets

Shippers deepening dilemmas as the US and Iran vie for control of the Strait of Hormuz, with one executive noting that "Things are becoming uglier by the minute." Oil prices wobbled after a week of hostilities disrupted shipping, pushing crude back above prewar levels, though the IEA said an oil demand recovery is underway but U.S.-Iran escalation clouds the outlook and refined fuels are increasingly tight. Copper was on track for its second straight weekly gain as traders looked past potential demand headwinds from the Middle East, while iron ore was set for a weekly gain on a looming strike at BHP Group’s Port Hedland terminal. The WSJ Dollar Index declined 0.13% to 97.28, snapping a three-trading-day winning streak, and the euro saw a slight rise against the dollar amid Middle East tensions, though significant gains are unlikely despite increased ECB rate-hike bets.

Corporate Dealmaking and Investor Sentiment

Apollo Global Management Inc. approaching record with deals for easy Jet and Bayer, positioning itself for a strong year as peers struggle to deploy capital. The US investment giant ultimately outbid rival Castlelake for UK budget airline easy Jet in a twist. Warburg Pincus is nearing a deal valued at over $7 billion for specialty-pharmacy company PANTHERx Rare and a group of private-equity firms. Meanwhile, foreign ownership of UK firms soared 35% in the years after Covid, driven by cheap valuations and a dealmaking boom. Retail traders, previously strong supporters of the stock market, are showing signs of waning conviction, refusing to bet on the S&P 500 while chasing other assets.

Economic Shifts and Regulatory Focus

The USDA to the lowest level since 1970, projecting 1.536 billion bushels for 2026, a reduction of 7 million bushels from its June forecast. In Washington State, concerns are rising that the Evergreen State is throwing money at AI data centers while ignoring builders of tomorrow. The Czech central bank, with inflation likely to return to or slightly above the 2% target this year. In Europe, ING economists noted that Europeans are showing a durable shift in savings habits toward investment products, which could support greater spending in the future is showing unusual strength with analysts raising estimates at the fastest pace since mid-2024. UK regulators, designating Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Oracle as ‘critical third parties’ to improve resilience.

Technology and Media Trends

Atlassian fired worker in a rare legal victory for tech employees, as a federal labor law judge determined the software maker terminated an employee who questioned company policy changes. Meta has been ordered by EU authorities to alter the ‘addictive design’ of Instagram and Facebook, citing violations of a digital safety law and failed to adequately assess and mitigate risks. Hollywood studios in the 1990s were perfecting the art of the blockbuster, even as independent filmmakers found new ways to reach audiences in a trend. The creator of the meme character Siren Head as studios hunt for the next "Backrooms"-style hit, indicating a gold rush in horror memes. OpenAI’s No. 2 executive, Fidji Simo in the latest leadership shake-up, leaving a major role to fill as the AI giant prepares for a potential public offering.

Automotive and Transportation Sector

BMW and Volkswagen AG’s vehicle sales fell in the second quarter due to a worsening decline in China, where competition from domestic rivals and a property crisis are stifling demand. Delta Air Lines reported record demand but falling profits, as sky-high fuel costs, exacerbated by the Iran war than year-ago levels, impacting US corporate profits. Boeing’s smallest MAX jet after years of delays, with regulators expected to certify the aircraft later this month. Police officers across the country are learning how to direct and manage autonomous taxis, including when necessary, to punish traffic law violations.