Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Markets React to Geopolitical Tensions and Tech IPOs

Oil futures climbed 1.2% this week, settling higher as renewed military strikes between the U.S. and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz stoked supply concerns. The WSJ Dollar Index fell 0.02% to 97.20 over the week. Gold and silver finished lower for both the day and the week. German bond yields dipped as traders monitored Middle East tensions. The New Zealand dollar following hawkish central bank commentary and strong manufacturing data. U.S. natural gas futures.

SK Hynix Inc.’s US debut saw its stock soar on its first day of trading, opening at $170 a share, above its initial public offering price of $149. This listing is spurring other international companies to consider the U.S. for public offerings. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are, overcoming a choppy stretch, while the Dow is on track for a loss. JPMorgan Asset Management noted that investors are between AI-related risks and rewards. Morgan Stanley, however, citing mounting evidence that their pricing power is limited.

Corporate Dealmaking and Sector Trends

MGM Resorts International is reportedly with Barry Diller’s People Inc. regarding a potential acquisition. The nuclear energy services firm Holtec Nuclear Corp. filed US, joining a trend of companies capitalizing on data center power demands. Apnimed Inc., backed by Shionogi, also to fund its sleep apnea drug development. Tailored Brands Inc., owner of Men's Wearhouse, marking a return to public markets.

Warburg Pincus is reportedly for specialty pharmacy company PANTHERx Rare. In the UK, Apollo outbid rival Castlelake for a takeover of easy Jet, with Apollo facing the challenge of turning the budget airline into a more profitable entity. Telenor agreed to in Swedish broadband provider Bahnhof for $629 million. Meanwhile, Aston Martin creditors joined forces to halt the distressed luxury carmaker from pursuing any debt deal.

Economic and Regulatory Developments

The USDA to the lowest level since 1970. The U.S. government’s proposal to end mandatory quarterly financial reports has received support from Exxon Mobil Holdings Corp., a move that bucks the trend among most respondents. Central Falls Detention Facility Corp., a Rhode Island jail operator, filed for bankruptcy, citing an inability to afford its obligations. Texas is hustling for business and has launched the Texas Stock Exchange.

Apple has sued OpenAI, alleging theft of confidential information, marking a significant breakdown in their relationship. The New York Times has accused the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission of in a lawsuit claiming discrimination. In a rare legal victory for tech workers, a federal labor law judge determined that Atlassian. The Czech National Bank stated that monetary policy caution remains warranted as inflation is likely to return to or slightly exceed the 2% target.

Labor Market and Immigration Issues

U.S. employers have been of immigrant workers as Temporary Protected Status deadlines loom, creating confusion for businesses. Mexico intends to in the U.S. concerning immigrant deaths. Witnesses to an ICE killing in Houston of an incident where an immigrant was fatally shot.

Getting an offer from Bending Spoons has become, with the company reportedly rejecting 99.9% of its one million job applications. Virgin Media was for making it difficult for customers to cancel contracts.

International Relations and Space Exploration

India and New Zealand plan to to a strategic partnership, focusing on closer trade and security ties. China has to recover a rocket booster, a step toward reusable rocket technology. China is now the United States’ main competitor for space supremacy. The FCC has approved a test of a space mirror to light up the night sky, despite public outcry.

Political Developments and Legal Challenges

Graham Platner has from the Maine Senate race, opening the door for Democrats to select a new nominee. Members of the Democratic Socialists of America criticized an adviser for elevating Graham Platner. The New York Times is facing a lawsuit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming it discriminated against a white male employee who did not receive a promotion. A Manhattan high-rise that is buckling has become the focus of a criminal investigation.

President Trump has been at a network of rebranded gas stations selling gas below the national average. He also cut habitat protections for endangered species, ending a safeguard that had been in place for 50 years. The Trump administration has also fired members of an independent election group.