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Last updated: July 31, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Energy Sector Soars on Geopolitical Tensions, Oil Majors Report Record Profits

Global oil giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron, with Chevron reporting its highest quarterly earnings on record due to soaring energy prices stemming from the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz. ExxonMobil’s earnings and both companies are channeling these windfall profits into debt reduction rather than significant buyback increases, signaling caution about the longevity of war-driven price rallies . Chevron CEO Bonner anticipates that elevated fuel-making margins will persist as long as energy markets remain "under stress" . rising oil prices, directly linked to the Iran war, are driving profits to their highest levels in years for the world's largest oil companies, benefiting them while acting as a drag on the broader economy . The UK's BP is putting its North Sea business up for sale, initiating a process to market its assets after discussions with Ithaca Energy . European natural prices are poised for their largest monthly gain since March, driven by continued disruptions to global energy supplies amid the Middle East conflict . Saudi Arabia's quarterly fiscal deficit has narrowed by nearly 75%, bolstered by the spike in global oil prices, despite the Iran war impacting the economy . Saudi oil are diverting from the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint for a rare trip around Africa as Houthi rebel threats disrupt Red Sea shipping . The U.S. Strategic Petroleum may not be utilized to ease prices in this new phase of the Hormuz crisis .

Consumer Goods Companies Lift Outlooks Amid Mixed Economic Signals

Church & Dwight after a significant jump in second-quarter organic sales, now expecting sales to be flat to up 1%, an improvement from its previous forecast of down 0.5% to 1.5%. Colgate-Palmolive also higher sales in the second quarter, navigating a choppy consumer environment . Newell Brands similarly due to higher sales and a tariff refund, now projecting normalized earnings per share between 73 and 77 cents, up from 56 to 60 cents. Moderna's quarterly loss narrowed as revenue climbed, boosted by deliveries under a U.K. government contract.. However, Maruti missed profit estimates as increased input costs offset robust revenue growth . Taco Bell implementing a strategy of $1 deals and new menu items to regain customers following a sales slump caused by a Cyclospora illness outbreak . Puma reported lower currency-adjusted sales, down.4%, but reiterated its full-year guidance as it advances its turnaround strategy .

Automakers Face Headwinds, Suppliers Slash Guidance Amid Industry Uncertainty

Ford Motor Co.'s stock rally has considerable room for further gains, according to Citi analyst Michael Ward . However, Schaeffler, a supplier to major automakers like BMW and Volkswagen due to a weakening auto industry outlook. German auto industry, a significant pillar of the national economy, is experiencing tremors due to tariffs, the rise of electric vehicles, and intense competition from Chinese companies . Puma's shares tumbled over 11% after heavy marketing expenditures for the FIFA World Cup squeezed earnings . Adidas shares slumped after the World Cup spend impacted earnings . British Airways, owned by IAG, benefited from rerouted Middle East travelers but the airline group due to the ongoing conflict. Ferrari Stellantis are among the companies being monitored in the auto and transport sector .

Tech and AI Stocks Show Volatility; Hedge Fund Implodes Amid Market Swings

U.S. stock futures, driving the Korean Kospi index to its largest daily gain on record and boosting European tech stocks. Microsoft's strong earnings report helped U.S. stocks rally, with the Nasdaq jumping.8% and restoring momentum to the artificial-intelligence boom . However, the volatile Kospi index has experienced swings exceeding 60%, nearly double that of Japan's Nikkei 225 . AI optimism also drove the Kospi to its biggest daily rise on record in Korea . Citadel, led by Ken Griffin Situational Awareness, which had nearly collapsed due to highly leveraged trades amid market volatility. This intervention helped trigger a relief rally in global AI stocks, leaving traders debating the future of the AI trade, 144. Universal Music Group shares plunged by a quarter on fears of streaming growth and the potential impact of AI-generated songs. Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison has taken on significant debt to build data centers for an AI push, raising questions about his role in a potential AI bubble. Coinbase swung to a loss due to a weak cryptocurrency market, with revenue falling 19% to $1.22 billion analyst estimates . Bitcoin treasury company Strategy reported an $8.22 billion loss, a reversal from a profit of $10.02 billion the previous year, amid declining Bitcoin prices . Reddit's profit driven by growth in advertising revenue from its expanding user base .

Treasury Yields Rise Amid Fed Uncertainty and Inflation Concerns

U.S. Treasury yields, as investors continued to digest the Federal Reserve's decision to hold rates steady and Chairman Kevin Warsh's communications. Investors warned Fed must demonstrate commitment to fighting inflation following a recent selloff . Warsh's "bear steepener" strategy is seen as posing no "Goldilocks moment" for stocks . The dollar is heading for its worst week in three months due to growing doubts about the Federal Reserve's ability to contain inflation . Strategists are examining International Monetary Fund guidelines for clues regarding Japan's next move on the yen . Japan intervened in the currency market just before the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision, an action that appeared to have U.S. support. Japanese. Japanese government extended their rally, tracking overnight Treasury gains as traders priced in a September rate cut .

Global Markets Exhibit Volatility Across Diverse Sectors

Korea's stock market has delivered significant returns this year, though with substantial volatility, as the Kospi Index has exceeded 60%, nearly double that of Japan's Nikkei 225 . Traders faced considerable market drama this week, with severe swings observed from Korean stocks to U.S. bonds. The. The UK's Financial Conduct Authority unveiled the scope of data to be published on UK equities trading, a move intended to stimulate activity on the London Stock Exchange . Hong Kong relaunching Chinese government bond futures, aiming to provide a crucial hedging tool for the globalization of China's debt market and currency . Arabia's budget deficit narrowed significantly, benefiting from wartime oil price spikes .

Corporate Earnings and Dealmaking Highlight Sector-Specific Trends

BP Plc initiating a process to market its North Sea business for potential sale as part of a broader portfolio review . J Sainsbury has agreed to sell its Argos general merchandise unit to Swift Partners for at least £120 million, marking its second attempt to offload the division . Alimentation Couche-Tard plans to acquire Poland's Zabka convenience retailer for approximately $8.7 billion.. Axa SA first-half earnings that met estimates, with the insurer confident in its outlook despite assessing the impact of wildfires in France and Spain . NatWest reported a 29% rise in pretax profit and raised its guidance, also accelerating share buyback plans following the acquisition of Evelyn Partners . Nat West's second-quarter earnings of £2.3 billion analyst forecasts, buoyed by its retail and wealth units . Sony's first-quarter profit exceeded expectations, with guidance raised due to increased earnings from its music and image-sensor businesses . reported higher profit and revenue, indicating progress in recovering from a March cyberattack . Sanofi's CEO challenges in filling the drug pipeline, prompting a revamp of R&D operations and a focus on dealmaking .

New York Sues Trading Platform, Raising Regulatory Concerns

New York has sued Kalshi Inc.'s trading subsidiary, alleging it operated an illegal, unlicensed gambling operation within the state . This legal challenge adds another significant hurdle for an industry that has garnered some support .

Private Credit and Insurance Sectors See Intertwined Growth

Insurers have become a significant driver of the private credit boom, with private equity firms engaging in deals with insurance companies or acquiring them outright . Blue Owl increasing its focus on real assets to mitigate challenges in the private credit sector, with its real assets segment surpassing credit in fundraising during the second quarter . Investment giants navigating upheaval in the private credit industry, with KKR selling private-equity investments to boost profits and Blue Owl reporting that investor withdrawals have stabilized .