Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Geopolitical Tensions and Commodity Markets

Oil futures after the U.S. reinstated its blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, slowing shipping. This development also saw base metals, and crude stockpiles that acted as shock absorbers are running low. Europe, while flexing its muscle in Ukraine, remains on the sidelines in the Iran conflict, with Dubai planning a new port to bypass the Strait of Hormuz in response to the U.S.-Iran war. U.S. crude oil stockpiles, falling by 1.7 million barrels, exceeding analysts' expectations. Meanwhile, gold, with silver also declining, marking a trend of five down sessions in the past seven.

Corporate Dealmaking and Financial Performance

Uber is nearing a €12.5 billion deal to acquire German food delivery group Delivery Hero, which will spin off its Turkish and some European operations. Advent International and Stripe's for PayPal is seen as a bargain for the buyers, with PayPal investors advised not to "check out too hastily." In the UK, Brew Dog co-founder James Watt to buy back the beer company. BNY Mellon after reporting a second-quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.45 a share, up from $1.39 billion a year prior. BlackRock's assets rose to a record $15.3 trillion, with second-quarter net income jumping 20% to $1.9 billion amid a capital markets boom. Morgan Stanley's wealth management division, becoming the latest firm to shatter forecasts on the back of the AI boom.

Technology and AI Sector Dynamics

SpaceX shares for the first time, slipping below $135 as the Nasdaq composite dropped, wiping $1 trillion from the company's valuation. This sell-off also impacted SpaceX bond yields, which. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported quarterly sales surged 36%, meeting high expectations and signaling sustained global demand for AI hardware. ASML raised its forecasts as the AI boom drives chipmaking demand, with shares climbing on the company's bullish outlook. Intel plans invest in its Irish plant, strengthening Dublin's role in Europe's bid for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, driven by surging AI chip demand. Nvidia, however in China amid a chip crackdown, reflecting tougher vetting to close export-control loopholes. SK Hynix ADRs after a selloff in Korea, underscoring concerns that the AI boom may be overextended. In a different segment, AI videos are, prompting brands to issue warnings as creators use avatars to boost affiliate sales.

Economic Indicators and Global Trends

China's economy, with 4.3 percent growth in the second quarter, highlighting a broad slump outside of its export-oriented manufacturing sector. The U.S. producer-price index fell by 0.3% in June, a decline from the previous month's elevated 0.6%, and down from analysts' expectations of a steady reading. U.S. small business confidence, with the optimism index rising 2.1 points to 97.4. Treasury yields and the dollar, with mild CPI data easing inflation fears. In Europe, traders boosted bets on Bank of England and ECB rate hikes following a surge in oil prices that reignited inflation concerns. China's central bank is boosting liquidity to smooth tax payments and debt issuance.

Utilities and Infrastructure Sectors

Thames Water as Britain's next prime minister is set to make an announcement on the sector, with eyes on state control. Developers are, with industrial real estate under construction rising 18% in the second quarter, driven by demand from data-center equipment suppliers. The U.S. housing law, is being examined for its potential impact on the market. In the U.K., the energy transition is seeing lenders and investors.

Automotive and Transportation

China's BYD is taking on prestigious car brands on an English estate, signaling its ambition in the supercar market. Hyundai workers in South Korea are on a partial strike over concerns about job prospects that has shut down a car factory. U.S. electric vehicle sales are, with chargers proliferating as businesses seek to attract customers. Vedanta Oil and Gas Ltd. will invest to boost output fivefold, underscoring India's drive to reduce reliance on energy imports.

Financial Markets and Regulatory Watch

The European Union, a move that will test its ability to police digital markets. In the U.K., a watchdog is investigating the country's biggest pub landlord over the treatment of tenants. Wall Street firms including JPMorgan, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs in a trial run with trade processor DTCC. The EU is also preparing a crisis team for a potential stand-off over China's rare earths, ahead of a truce expiration.

Other Notable Market Movements

Comex gold, and silver also fell, with both metals experiencing a downward trend. U.S. natural gas futures due to soft LNG feedgas flows. Sterling found support over the future Treasury chief. The U.S. stock market, with major indexes rising modestly. IBM stock suffered its worst day on record despite cooling inflation and surging bank earnings. The yen, and Japanese government bonds extended losses.