Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: July 13, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Middle East Tensions Escalate, Impacting Oil and Markets

Oil futures amid renewed hostilities between the US and Iran, with President Trump vowing to restart blockades and impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation spooked investors, leading to a drop in U.S. stocks as traders moved into "risk-off" mode. Iran managed to export approximately 57 million barrels of crude during a brief gap between U.S. naval blockades, highlighting the global. Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's attack on a ship and subsequent U.S. strikes, with limited crude oil transport occurring. Base metals also retreated due to concerns over global economic growth stemming from the U.S.-Iran tensions.

Corporate Dealmaking and Financial Restructuring

Private equity firm Seidler Equity is exploring the sale of its stake in the 139-year-old baseball gear maker Rawlings. In Brazil, Oncoclinicas is. Citigroup's CEO Jane Fraser is undertaking a "ruthless remake" of the company. Shell has for $1.8 billion to Aditya Birla Renewables as it refocuses on oil and gas. Mastercard is examining the sale of its UK payments subsidiary Vocalink. In the US, First Hawaiian Bank has in an all-stock deal valued at $2.01 billion.

AI, Tech, and Investment Trends

The artificial intelligence boom is, prompting Royal Bank of Canada to expand its credit derivatives trading. However, a sharp selloff in chip stocks in the AI trade, impacting U.S. stocks. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported a 36% surge in quarterly sales, signaling continued global demand for AI hardware. Intel plans to to meet surging AI chip demand. Some tech executives are concerned that recent scrutiny of AI models could lead to demands for ownership stakes from a. Despite the AI selloff, Apple Inc. has seen a $650 billion rally as investors. The demand for AI hardware is also leading to a push for financing solutions.

Global Economic and Market Developments

India's large-cap stocks are poised for a rebound driven by foreign investor inflows, an improving earnings outlook, and attractive valuations. Foreign investors poured over $1 billion into Indian equities last week, with expectations of further inflows. Indonesia has retained its investment-grade rating and stable outlook from S&P Global Ratings, providing a reprieve for President Prabowo Subianto. European sovereign-debt dynamics are at risk of deterioration if public finances are not managed effectively, according to the IMF. Zurich and Geneva have topped a survey for the highest disposable incomes globally, despite high living costs.

Regulatory and Legal Challenges

Democratic states have Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially delaying the deal. A federal appeals court has Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism and ADHD, overruling a previous dismissal. The Justice Department is investigating allegations against UAW President Shawn Fain. In England and Wales, the legal sector's regulator has reportedly "lost its way", according to a review.

Energy Sector Dynamics

New Jersey is initiating a process to to meet rising electricity demand. Canadian oil sands firms have reached a carbon capture deal with Alberta and the federal government. U.S. natural gas futures extended losses for a fourth straight session, weighed down by surplus storage and lower LNG demand. The United Arab Emirates boosted crude output by 80% in June after exiting OPEC to escape production quotas. Russia's crude output has due to Ukrainian attacks on its oil infrastructure.

IPO Market Activity

Canadian listings are showing signs of picking up, with Cadillac Mines Corp. and Amapa Minerals Holdings Inc. filing initial. Shein has received regulatory approval for its Hong Kong listing, but slowing business growth may weigh on its valuation. The power-generation unit of Argentina’s YPF SA has filed for a U.S. initial public offering, joining a growing pipeline of Argentine companies seeking New York listings. Several UK companies are to 2027 amid market uncertainty.