Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

AI and Tech Sector Shake-Up

The artificial intelligence boom is experiencing a significant recalibration, with semiconductor stocks falling sharply and the Nasdaq Composite dropping again as a chip slump deepens. This downturn was partly triggered by China's Moonshot AI unveiling its Kimi model, perceived as a threat to. The selloff has of the blistering memory-led rally that saw a key semiconductor index more than double in three months, pushing it into bear market territory . Big Tech firms, including Oracle, are to finance their substantial investments in AI data centers, signaling a rising risk as capital needs surge . Meta is also reportedly in talks for a data center deal worth up to $10 billion, as the social media giant considers launching a cloud business and earmarks $145 billion for infrastructure . Meanwhile, Apple briefly surpassed Nvidia as the world's most valuable company, escaping the AI sell-off that has impacted chipmakers, and received an upgrade to "buy" from HSBC on its agentic AI and hardware pipeline.

Geopolitical Tensions and Energy Markets

Middle East tensions are on oil, with hedge funds loading up on Brent crude at the fastest pace in nearly a decade as fighting between Iran and the US intensifies. This has, pushing oil prices to their highest level in a month and nearing a halt for maritime traffic. The ongoing conflict has also led to a significant withdrawal in U.S. crude oil stockpiles, which fell by 1.7 million barrels last week, exceeding analyst expectations. Despite these supply concerns, U.S. oil rig counts have seen the longest streak without a decrease in activity in over four years, supporting shale expansion amid higher prices. In other energy markets, U.S. natural gas futures retreated as storage surpluses remained robust, and Alcoa cut production guidance, citing refinery issues, though alumina prices remained stable despite. Europe faces increasing challenges in securing gas ahead of winter, with attacks in the Strait of Hormuz impacting LNG flows and Qatar's export capacity.

Corporate Dealmaking and Financial Markets

The bond market is seeing increased activity from various entities, with San Antonio preparing to borrow nearly $1 billion for an airport expansion and Argentina's Neuquen province pitching its first international bond since 2017 on the back of a. Treasuries posted a weekly advance as inflation optimism prevailed, leading traders to largely abandon bets on a July Federal Reserve rate hike. However, hyperscalers' bonds, issued to fund their AI ambitions, have become a drag on. In the corporate world, BASF is seeking banks to lead the IPO of its agrichemical unit, potentially worth €20 billion, while Anglo American has selected a preferred bidder for its De. Telecom Italia's board is leaning toward endorsing Poste Italiane's €10.8 billion takeover offer. In the UK, PwC partners are set for near-record annual pay of £900,000 despite a challenging consulting market, and Ocado's CEO remains committed despite a faltering warehouse tech unit.

Economic Indicators and Policy Shifts

U.S. import prices unexpectedly rose 0.3% in June, though overall inflation slowed to a 3.5% annual increase, marking the biggest monthly price drop since 2020. Bond traders are reportedly bailing on Federal Reserve rate hike bets due to a softer. In the UK, investors welcomed reports that Shabana Mahmood could lead the Treasury, following Andy Burnham's ascension to Prime Minister amidst economic stagnation. The EU is set to delay fines for methane rule breaches after U.S. pressure and is expected to grant industries more time to emit carbon, a move defended by the climate commissioner. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission is expected to change its quarterly earnings rule despite public backlash, a move long supported.

Market Movements and Sector Performance

Gold settled up 0.7% on Friday, but both gold and silver posted weekly losses, with Comex gold ending the week 2.23% lower at $4012.70. Nickel climbed to a three-week high on supply risks from Indonesia and fading expectations for Fed rate hikes. The swimming pool industry's stocks sank amid signs of wary consumer spending despite a scorching summer. In the financial sector, Fifth Third Bank reported record quarterly revenue, boosted by its acquisition of Comerica. Hedge fund Deccan Value Investors is speaking out after its settlement with the SEC, criticizing. The cost of hedging against dollar swings has fallen to its lowest level this year, signaling traders see little disruption to the reserve currency.

Company News and Strategic Moves

Netflix shares plunged after the streamer warned of slower growth, projecting its weakest revenue increase in three years. Trump Media pitched a $100,000 monthly fee for fast access to the Truth Social platform. Meta is reportedly in talks for a data center deal potentially worth up to $10 billion as it plans to launch a cloud business. Poolhouse, a tech-infused pool hall startup founded by the creators of Topgolf, has. Circle Internet Group Inc. shares have lost more than three-quarters of their value since their IPO, facing increased. IBM's profit warning highlighted the importance of timing in tech valuations, suggesting AI revenue growth might be slower than hyperscalers anticipate.