Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Geopolitical Tensions and Market Volatility

The escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran, reaching their highest level in a month as shipping in the Persian Gulf neared a halt. Hedge funds at the fastest pace in almost a decade, while U.S. oil rig counts since 2022, supporting shale expansion amid higher prices. Wheat futures as Black Sea attacks threatened key export routes. In response to tightening global supply, India. The WSJ Dollar Index rose 0.18% to 97.04, though hedging costs against dollar swings have. Precious metals at $4012.70 and silver.

AI and Tech Sector Disruptions

A surprise breakthrough from Chinese startup Moonshot AI, reviving memories of last year's "DeepSeek moment" and capping a brutal week for tech favorites. A closely watched index of semiconductor stocks, unwinding a significant portion of a rally that saw the gauge more than double in three months. Apple briefly leapfrogged Nvidia as the world's most valuable company, escaping the AI sell-off that hit chipmakers. IBM's stock crashed after a disappointing profit warning, reigniting fears of AI disruption in the software sector. AI chip startup Etched is reportedly in talks for a $20 billion valuation, while also raising capital at a $10 billion valuation. Meta is considering launching a cloud business and is reportedly in talks for a data center deal potentially worth up to $10 billion.

Corporate Dealmaking and Financial Markets

Baker Tilly is eyeing approximately $3 billion in debt markets to replace private credit loans, preparing to sell debt for accounting services firm Baker Tilly Advisory Group. Deutsche Bank AG is reportedly preparing the sale. Anglo American Plc has selected a group led by De Beers’ former boss Gareth Penny as the for its diamond business. BASF SE has invited banks to pitch for roles on an initial public offering of its agrichemical division, potentially a €20 billion offering. Telecom Italia SpA’s board is leaning toward endorsing Poste Italiane SpA’s €10.8 billion takeover offer. Foundever Group has reached an agreement with creditors to. Latigo Biotherapeutics Inc. filed for an initial public offering, joining a growing list of biotechnology firms considering going public.

Economic Trends and Policy Watch

China's economy, with second-quarter growth of 4.3 percent reflecting a broad slump outside of its export-oriented manufacturing. The U.S. bond market extended its rally for a second day, reinforced by soft inflation readings that diminished expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. The Treasury market for the week as inflation data prevailed over a rebound in oil prices. San Antonio is tapping the bond market for almost $1 billion to expand its airport, a testament to its rapid growth. The EU is reportedly set to delay fines for breaking methane rules after U.S. pressure, a move unlikely to satisfy energy companies seeking a rewrite of the law.

Political Landscape and Social Issues

President Trump's invitation to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the World Cup final creates an opportunity for bilateral discussions. A coalition backed by Google co-founder Sergey Brin and wealthy tech investors is trying to neutralize a proposed one-time tax on California's richest residents. The U.S. and Iran, with strikes across the region impacting infrastructure. In domestic politics, Sara Rodriguez, and Paul Pelosi was charged with hit-and-run. Wildfires in Oregon for thousands, while Ontario continues to battle nearly 200 fires.

Company Performance and Executive Moves

Netflix shares, projecting its weakest revenue increase in three years. United Airlines, expecting adjusted earnings to hit $9 to $11 a share in 2026, buoyed by higher fares that blunt turbulent fuel prices. Conagra's CEO, John Brase, is plotting a turnaround for the food giant, emphasizing that "every product needs to earn its keep." Walmart, with Kieran Shanahan, chief operating officer for Walmart U.S., set to depart. Burberry reported flat sales growth for its first quarter but noted growth across divisions for the first time in three years as it moves forward with its turnaround plan. Volvo Car expects sales to strengthen in the second half of the year, driven by European growth and a U.S. recovery.