Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Market Movers and Economic Indicators

U.S. stocks closed higher on Nasdaq, buoyed by strong earnings from BlackRock and Morgan Stanley. BlackRock shares over 7% after reporting a 20% profit increase and assets surpassing $15 trillion. The WSJ Dollar 0.4%, trading at 97.15. In commodity markets as the U.S. reinstated a blockade of Iranian ports, though President Trump later withdrew a proposed 20% fee for protecting ships. Crude futures again on renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, with shipping slowing significantly. Gold prices following softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data, easing concerns about interest rates. The U.S. producer-price by 0.3% in June, a notable drop from May's 0.6% increase. European stocks saw a mixed reaction, with Citigroup strategists, deeming them less appealing due to their defensive and commodity-heavy nature. Asian stocks gained as markets adjusted expectations for U.S. rate hikes after the inflation data.

Corporate Dealmaking and Earnings

Stripe Advent have jointly offered to acquire PayPal for approximately $53 billion. James Watt is seeking to buy back the beer company, aiming to restore ownership stakes for "equity punks." Barratt Developments posted a pretax profit increase and announced a £400 million buyback program, following investor pressure. BNY Mellon lifted its revenue forecast after reporting a second-quarter net income of $1.7 billion, up from $1.39 billion a year prior. Conagra Brands swung to a loss in its fiscal fourth quarter and cut its dividend. HCA Healthcare after its quarterly earnings were squeezed by shifts in payer mix, leading the company to scale back its financial guidance. Danone's $1.2 is facing a U.K. competition probe. In the tech sector after it previewed disappointing quarterly results, signaling potential headwinds for software and tech consulting firms. raised forecasts, citing strong demand for chipmaking driven by the AI boom.

Geopolitical Tensions and Energy Markets

Wildfire smoke from Ontario in Toronto and New York City, while a heat dome brought unseasonably high temperatures to the Northeast. gas futures due to soft LNG feedgas flows from terminal maintenance, partially offset by summer cooling demand. The U.S. reinstated its blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, causing shipping to slow and. This move, coupled with renewed U.S.-Iran tensions, potentially removing a key cushion for the global oil market as China's crude buying may be nearing an end. Stockpiles that previously absorbed shocks are running low as the key waterway faces closures again. The Middle East war is now projected to push back an LNG glut by a year to 2028, according to BNEF, due to project delays and conflict. Europe's scramble for gas ahead of winter, with Iranian attacks impacting Qatar's LNG export capacity.

Financial Regulation and Legal Battles

Kathryn Ruemmler, former general counsel at Goldman Sachs, testified before Congress regarding her ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ruemmler defended her with Epstein and blamed Goldman executives for leaks. The U.S. has pressed China to free an American seismologist accused of spying, with President Trump urging Xi Jinping to release the scientist. Customs Enforcement halted most vehicle stops after agents shot two individuals, prompting President Trump to pressure the agency to resume them. The lack of body cameras for ICE agents is under scrutiny following fatal encounters. A judge denounced Trump's lawsuit seeking immunity from IRS audits as an improper exercise of self-dealing, recommending disciplinary action against acting attorney general Todd Blanche. The EU is preparing to fine Google hundreds of millions of euros, a move that will test its ability to police digital markets.

Economic Growth and Global Trends

China's economy at its slowest pace in years, with 4.3% growth in the second quarter reflecting a broad slump outside of its export-oriented manufacturing. Chinese electric-vehicle maker XPeng aims to produce over 1,000 robots monthly as it plans a global rollout of its humanoid robot. China's green-tech exports have surged by over a third in the first half of the year, driven by the accelerating global energy transition. The remains cheap despite recent gains, contributing to a wider EU trade deficit, according to Deutsche Bank. Honduras is looking to buy back bonds and for new debt. Brazil's Oncoclinicas has filed to rework almost $1 billion of debt. The International Monetary Fund warns that Europe risks an "explosive" path if it does not fix its debts.

Technology and AI Advancements

videos flooding, with brands issuing warnings as creators use avatars to boost affiliate sales. Chai Discovery, an AI drug startup, has raised $400 million, valuing the company at $3.8 billion and highlighting investor interest in AI for drug discovery. JPMorgan, BlackRock are participating in a trial run with DTCC to tokenize stocks and Treasurys. Royal Bank of Canada is expanding its credit derivatives trading business, anticipating that AI debt fundraising will fuel hedging demand, according to RBC. The demand for AI is beginning to, as indicated by IBM's recent stock plunge. Supply chains must adapt to regulatory compliance and shocks.

Other Notable Developments

The U.S. housing market could see changes as the largest housing law in 36 years is implemented. AT&T Verizon are exploring new wireless service options beyond family plans. SpaceX bonds are trading 10% below their issue price, heading towards junk bond status. Newark's controller staffing is set to drop by approximately one-fifth by the end of the month, potentially impacting. Warren Buffett did not donate to the Gates Foundation this year, calling Bill Gates's ties to Jeffrey Epstein "distasteful," a sentiment echoed by Buffett. Paramount Disney are pursuing a pre-streaming strategy, while saw membership drop amid rate hikes.