Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Prices Higher, Impacting Airlines

Crude futures settled higher amid escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities, with mediators seeking a ceasefire. U.S. gasoline prices for the first time in a month as the conflict in the Middle East threatened to exacerbate global transportation fuel crunches. European airline stocks following the weekend's escalation in hostilities. Shipowners offering huge to crews willing to sail through the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon killed in Jordan during an Iranian strike on a U.S. base.

AI Boom Fuels Tech Investment and Market Activity

BlackRock is leading a $12 billion financing deal for new Meta data centers in Texas, with the asset manager's infrastructure and private-credit arms spearheading the project. Hedge funds at a record pace over the past two months, according to Goldman Sachs. Citigroup strategists for playing the U.S. artificial intelligence trade. The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index slid by 0.2% on weakening consumer spending, while chip stocks and boosted the Nasdaq. China's "national team" to prop up its market after a sharp AI tech sell-off.

Corporate Dealmaking and Financial Markets

Washington, D.C. is stepping up to borrow $1.2 billion at its annual municipal debt sale as its credit stabilizes. Netflix Inc. is set to raise $1 billion from a U.S. high-grade bond sale, its first since a debut deal two years ago. KKR & Co. and Vauban Infrastructure Partners are competing to acquire a majority stake in Portuguese fiber operator DStelecom. In India, Shapoorji Pallonji Group completed one of the country's largest private credit transactions, raising around 151 billion rupees ($1.6 . Segro plc from U.S. rival Prologis in a takeover twist.

Global Economic and Political Developments

Cracker Barrel raised its guidance after its Maple Street Biscuit divestiture and sale-leaseback deal. Crown Holdings as global beverage can volumes rose 5%. The U.S. Justice Department's challenge to Minnesota immigration laws was tossed by a judge. Andy Burnham became Britain's seventh leader in a decade, with UK government bonds plunging after investors under the new Prime Minister. Spanish soccer fans, cementing a belief in a cultural, economic, and sports revival.