Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Global Markets React to Inflation Data and Geopolitical Tensions

Asian stocks gained Wednesday as markets dialed back U.S. rate-hike expectations following an unexpectedly upbeat inflation print. The Singapore dollar strengthened slightly against its U.S. counterpart amid reduced Fed rate-hike expectations. Treasury yields on mild U.S. CPI data, while the WSJ Dollar Index fell 0.35%. Gold held steady amid rising oil prices, with broadly higher yields increasing the opportunity-cost of holding non-interest-bearing assets. Meanwhile, oil amid Iran’s attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude climbing after the U.S. responded to Iranian attacks on tankers with a fresh round of strikes as tensions flare. U.S. natural gas futures, still struggling to make headway given adequate domestic supply.

Corporate Earnings and AI Demand Drive Tech Sector

Chip-machine supplier ASML on unrelenting AI demand, signaling a scramble for its semiconductor-making tools. AI developer China’s DeepSeek in Shanghai next year to fund costly research. IBM stock on record as customers shift spending to AI, with software stocks plunging after International Business Machines Corp. reported preliminary results that missed analyst expectations reigniting questions. Oracle leads race to supply Japan with top-secret cloud services, proposing an ‘air-gapped’ network as the U.S. pressures Tokyo to tighten security of sensitive data. Circle clashed Tether-backed over market manipulation concerns, with new filings detailing a long-running legal battle.

Banking Sector Resilience and Emerging Market Activity

Wall Street banks have unveiled, but risks loom. The EU’s push to deregulate banks, following in the footsteps of the U.S. and UK. High credit card delinquencies at the big banks, contrasting with measures that show the highest rates in 15 years. Honduras launches bond and looks to sell new global debt, joining this year’s borrowing spree in emerging markets. Brazil’s Oncoclinicas almost $1 billion of debt, the latest of a string of Brazilian companies seeking restructuring.

Automotive and Energy Sectors Face Global Shifts

BYD signals wider, with an executive stating the company can take Toyota’s crown without the U.S. market. Lucid brings turnaround as EV sales slump, hiring Alix Partners to help ‘strengthen operations’. Ford Executive Chairman regarding Chinese cars, acknowledging their rapid displacement of competitors globally. India’s Birla to fund a Shell asset buy, lining up acquisition financing for its purchase of Shell Plc’s renewables business. Shell gets more on its $20 billion Nigerian oil project.

Geopolitical Tensions and Their Impact on Oil Markets

Oil settles off as Trump drops a 20% Hormuz fee plan, though futures added to yesterday’s gains. The U.S. and Iran escalated attacks, risking a return to high energy prices despite earlier cooling inflation. The battle for the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude climbing after the U.S. responded to Iranian attacks on tankers with fresh strikes. Renewed missile attacks on ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Asian oil buyers as the Iran war intensifies, prompting refiners to seek more U.S. oil. Fuel markets in the U.S. and Europe as Middle East tensions threaten more pain for consumers. Russia struggles sell it's being forced to export, with Moscow’s oil at sea back near year-to-year highs. India refiners as war drives shortages, with oil-product shipments on track to climb to their highest level since September.

China's Economic Landscape and Global Resource Diplomacy

China’s economy in years, with economic growth of 4.3% in the second quarter reflecting a broad slump outside of export-oriented manufacturing. Beijing's export controls on rare earths and other niche metals and fueling resource nationalism. China-backed copper mine over security risk, with worsening violence imperiling Islamabad’s resource ambitions.

UK Public Markets and Corporate Dealmaking

Airtel Africa for a rare London IPO of its mobile money business, a flotation that could raise around $1.5 billion and provide a much-needed boost for the UK’s depressed public markets. Estate agents are convinced, but determining whether vendors foot the bill is tricky. Daniel Ek’s body-scanning start-up Neko Health for a U.S. push, seeing its valuation jump fourfold to almost $7 billion. Francisco Partners to buy construction software maker Command Alkon, a sign that investors still see value. I Squared TIP Group.

Healthcare and Biotechnology See Innovation and Funding

Alzheimer’s blood tests to diagnose and predict the disease, with new studies shedding light on how they could eventually transform treatment. Chai Discovery, an AI drug start-up, valuing the company at $3.8 billion and underscoring investor interest in using AI for drug discovery. HCA Healthcare shares by payer mix shifts. Leonard Abramson, health care innovator and philanthropist. Agitation in dementia, a study suggests.

Regulatory and Political Developments Across Industries

‘Buy now, pay later’ rules, warn consumer groups, as an overhaul of the regime asks lenders to perform affordability checks. Public health groups sue F.D.A. over flavored e-cigarette policy. House Republicans and Democrats united in favor of a bill to eliminate semiannual clock-changing, but it faces an uncertain fate in the Senate. Ukraine to buy Chinese drone parts with EU funds to use part of a €6 billion tranche for items in short supply in Europe. Spain begins Gibraltar as Brexit reaches the Rock.

Defense and Infrastructure Investment

European defence groups to destroy missiles in space, a program intended to plug gaps in air defence and draw on lessons from the war in Ukraine. Oracle leads race Japan with top-secret cloud services. Data centers are expected to in 13 states due to electricity needs. Britain’s electric air taxi contender, as a U.S. hedge fund seeks a strategic partner to boost its credibility. Alcoa receives international for a gallium production project in Australia.