Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Middle East Tensions Fuel Oil Prices, Impact Airlines and Treasuries

Escalating hostilities in the Middle East above $90 a barrel, with Brent crude nearing $90.50, leading to concerns about global supply disruptions nears a halt. U.S. stock futures edged higher despite the geopolitical friction, though European airline stocks dropped sharply as crude prices rose. Treasury yields climbed amid the ongoing conflict, reinforcing market expectations of a potential Federal Reserve rate hike, while the dollar remained stable as investors sought safe-haven assets. Gasoline prices in the U.S. surpassed $4 for the first time in a month, threatening to exacerbate inflation concerns. The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve since 1983.

IPO Market Sees Activity Amid Consumer and Tech Focus

Jersey Mike’s Subs unveiled terms for its initial public offering, potentially valuing the sandwich chain, backed by Blackstone, at nearly $8 billion, with the company and its shareholders aiming to raise as much as $1.09 billion in the US IPO. This move signals a rebound in U.S. listings for consumer-oriented companies. In other market activities, Hong Kong’s stock-listing market is nearing a six-year high, driven by a summer of large deals. China’s Zhongji Innolight Co. is gauging investor interest for an $8 billion listing in Hong Kong as part of the city's IPO boom.

Corporate Dealmaking and Restructuring in Focus

Brookfield Asset Management and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board agreed to acquire LXP Industrial Trust in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $5.2 billion, adding a portfolio of modern warehouses. In the energy sector, BP is selling its Austrian mobility business, including petrol stations and EV charging points, to Volenergy for an undisclosed sum as it exits the retail space. Meanwhile, Alkegen has with lenders that will inject new capital and reduce its debt load by about $3.1 billion. KKR-backed Serentica Renewables is raising about $450 million through an offshore loan to fund its renewable energy initiatives in India.

AI Investment and Tech Sector Dynamics

The artificial intelligence sector continues to be a dominant market theme, with Alphabet and Tesla kicking off earnings for the sector. Citigroup strategists suggest the "Magnificent Seven" stock