Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: July 24, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Geopolitical Tensions and Market Volatility

Oil futures amid widening conflict in the Middle East and Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure, contributing to a volatile week for global markets. Brent crude due to the breakdown of a US-Iran ceasefire, with expectations it could remain there through the end of the year. Shipping insurers in the Red Sea due to attacks from Houthi rebels, threatening further disruption to oil supplies. Russia’s largest Black Sea oil port following a surge in Ukrainian drone attacks. Despite these pressures, U.S. stocks stabilized oil, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ending Friday 0.5% higher. The dollar as haven demand rose amid heightened geopolitical tensions, and was seen as likely to remain strong until a U.S.-Iran ceasefire is agreed.

Corporate Dealmaking and Strategy

Seven & i Holdings Co. abandoned investment with Poland’s Zabka Group SA but continues to seek expansion opportunities. Paramount paused Warner over legal challenges. The Boring Company is reportedly in a new funding round, aiming to raise around $4 billion from investors. Euronext NV to rival the UK’s, as exchanges seek to offer investors access to fast-growing companies. Argan and WDP, signaling consolidation in the sector. Zara billionaire Amancio Ortega for approximately €800 million, marking his largest European transaction. BP nears a deal to to a Kuwait-backed group.

Economic Trends and Consumer Sectors

Companies are, leading to a reshaping of Silicon Valley, even as the wider U.S. jobs market holds steady, with U.S. tech groups having cut 140,000 jobs. Lamb Weston in its fiscal fourth quarter, driven by volume growth in North America that offset cost inflation. CATL’s profit for energy-storage batteries, supported by resilient EV battery sales. SLB reported higher revenue due to increased offshore activity and strong demand in its data-center business. Charter Communications as its subscriber base continues to shrink. American Express reported higher sales and profit driven by increased card member spending.

Regulatory and Legal Developments

The Food and Drug Administration’s findings on a cyclospora recall led officials to give the agency the green light to make them public. A voluntary recall of 1.6 million egg cartons. The Department of Justice reportedly in its rush to track down Air Force One leaks. Small businesses are suing the Trump administration over, with legal challenges against past duties also noted. The Trump administration admitted to that did not vote for him. Wise’s bid for a U.S. bank license was, with regulators citing anti-money laundering concerns.

Technology and Innovation

SpaceX launched another Starship, with the market watching closely, marking the first launch since the company’s historic IPO. Meta faces higher borrowing costs for a $12 billion data center financing deal, as investors grapple with concerns about AI infrastructure spending. Verizon is seeking opportunities from the AI boom as its turnaround continues. SAP shares, reassuring investors about its cloud business resilience.

Energy and Commodities

El Niño is worsening the plight of Asia’s rice belt, adding to farmers’ struggles with high fuel and fertilizer prices. Vitol Group as its profits more than halved. Colombia is rationing LNG on SPEC port shutdown, urging schools and businesses to operate remotely. Renewable jet fuel producer Neste swung to profit after Iran war-related price surges. Dangote is targeting a $100 billion empire with oil and fertilizers.

Other Market Movers

Gold ended week at $4,067.60, with silver also posting gains. Hedge funds have accumulated the most negative bets on the Canadian dollar in two years due to the threat of American tariffs. Fitch Ratings upgraded Jane Street Group to investment-grade status, citing strong income growth. Robinhood and Crypto.com hold talks in a race for prediction markets.