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Last updated: July 18, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Geopolitical Tensions Escalate, Impacting Energy Markets

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran across the region, impacting Kuwait's energy infrastructure with attacks on an oil facility and a power plant suffering damage. U.S. strikes targeted tunnels and bridges in Hormozgan Province, while Iran reported civilian infrastructure damage. U.S. troops in Jordan, with four incidents in five days, including one that resulted in casualties. In response, Israel to counter Iranian spying efforts. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve since 1983, a development that could blunt the impact of oil shocks.

Corporate Activity and Market Volatility

Madison Square Garden filed a lawsuit against Wired Magazine over an article it claims falsely implied discriminatory data tracking. Telecom Italia from Poste Italiane, which would grant the state-controlled postal service full control of the telecoms group. In the U.S., Costco due to the popularity of its existing pumps and scarce space. Taylor Farms to 27 states amid a cyclospora outbreak. Meanwhile, credit markets are seeing infighting as profits from collateralized loan obligations deteriorate, leading investors to exit the market.

Tech Sector Dynamics and Market Sentiment

The artificial intelligence sector continues to dominate market discussions, with AI bets powering a record equities run for Wall Street banks, particularly in semiconductors fueled by investments. However, chip stocks, trading nearly five times higher than the broader market. IBM's CEO faces pressure regarding the tech giant's position in the evolving AI landscape. AI chip startup Etched for a $20 billion valuation, while also raising capital at $10 billion in a separate round. In contrast, SpaceX shares for the first time, with traders increasingly betting against the company.

Political and Economic Developments

Cindy Burbank, Nebraska’s Democratic Senate nominee, filed to withdraw from the race, potentially clearing a path for an independent candidate. In Wisconsin, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez. The U.S. dollar fell 0.11% for the week, ending at 97.09 on the WSJ Dollar Index. Billionaires are preparing an $87 million ad campaign to in California. In India, ICICI Bank, benefiting from strong loan growth. Hungary's crackdown on its $20 billion EV sector.

Consumer Trends and Regulatory Scrutiny

The rise of delivery apps is impacting sales for large pizza chains, leveling the playing field against services like Door Dash and Uber Eats. Superdrug's owner is considering delaying its planned London IPO. The UK regulator's new short-selling disclosure rules were marred by data errors, raising questions about information quality. Safety concerns are growing for air travel, with phones, power banks, and vapes posing a risk due to spontaneous fires. In politics, the Department of Justice with Trump over capitulation deals, requiring top law firms' leaders to sit for depositions.