Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: July 13, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Geopolitical Tensions and Market Impact

U.S. stocks fell broadly as investors assessed escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with conflicting information over the Strait of Hormuz status. Crude oil climbed on the news, while European stocks remained muted as energy gains offset technology sector weakness. The yen following reports that Japan has no plans to alter its Government Pension Investment Fund asset allocation. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz plunged to its lowest in a month after Iran attacked a ship, leading to U.S. strikes and minimal crude oil transport. Dubai plans new on the UAE's east coast to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a significant shift amid U.S.-Iran conflict.

Federal Reserve and Inflation Outlook

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller warned that rates may need to rise if inflation remains stubbornly high, stating he requires several months of lower inflation data for confidence. Wall Street strategists anticipate that a panel assembled by Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh to review the central bank's $6.7 trillion balance sheet.

Corporate Activity and Dealmaking

Royal Bank of Canada is business in the U.S. and Europe, anticipating that significant fundraising for artificial intelligence will spur hedging demand. Paramount's $110 billion acquisition by Warner Bros. faces legal from California and 11 other states, who allege the merger will harm movie theaters, increase consumer prices, and reduce quality. Shell has for $1.8 billion to Aditya Birla Renewables as the energy major refocuses on oil and gas. First Hawaiian Bank in an all-stock transaction valued at $2.01 billion.

Economic Trends and Sector Performance

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System for its fiscal year, primarily driven by stocks and private equity. Goldman Sachs is to their own private funds, a financing strategy to bridge the gap between investor commitments and capital deployment. U.S. natural gas futures due to cooler weather forecasts and anticipated lower exports amid maintenance at Freeport LNG. Shell is for $1.8 billion.

Artificial Intelligence and Technology

The buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure is expected to become trickier. Some tech executives express nervousness over potential demands for ownership stakes in AI models by the Trump administration. Apple Inc. shares have seen a significant rally, with traders reportedly fleeing AI selloffs and flocking back to the tech giant. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported 36%, meeting expectations and indicating sustained global demand for AI hardware. Intel plans invest in its Irish plant due to surging demand for AI chips. Meta is increasing the cost of its Louisiana data center project to over $50 billion.

Energy Markets and Geopolitics

Iran managed to export at least 57 million barrels of crude during a brief gap between U.S. naval blockades, highlighting the market's sensitivity to renewed restrictions. Russia's crude output in June due to Ukrainian attacks on its oil infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates in June after leaving OPEC to bypass production quotas. South Africa plans to increase its strategic oil reserves for the first time since the apartheid era. China's crude imports may be poised for recovery as it relaxes fuel export curbs and increases refining rates.

Global Economic and Financial Developments

Europe risks "explosive" if it does not address its sovereign debt issues, according to the International Monetary Fund. Kenya considering $500 to ease debt pressures and extend maturities. German financial watchdog BaFin for firms involved in dividend tax gaming strategies. The UK stock market by Citigroup strategists as geopolitical tensions ease. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. surpassed Toyota to become Japan's most valuable company.

Legal and Regulatory Developments

The Department of Justice in shootings involving Minnesota DHS. Federal appeals courts have revived lawsuits linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism and ADHD, overruling district court judges who had dismissed the cases. The legal sector regulator in England and Wales has reportedly, according to a review.

Commodities and Precious Metals

Gold prices declined again, following a fresh exchange of attacks between the U.S. and Iran. Cocoa demand is expected to remain uneven, with fragile recovery prospects as supply concerns push bean prices higher. De Beers at its South African diamond mine for two years due to industry challenges.

Other Notable Developments

The European Commission is considering changes to rules regarding social media access for children, proposing gradual access based on age. SpaceX plans Starship after a delay. Michael Saylor's Strategy Inc. raised about through stock sales, increasing its cash reserve to approximately $3 billion.