Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 24, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Geopolitical Tensions and Energy Markets

Oil prices amid renewed Middle East fighting and ongoing conflict with Iran, sending global bond yields toward. Brent crude saw its upward trajectory halted as investors hoped for diplomatic off-ramps, but the broader geopolitical landscape remains on edge. Attacks by Yemeni rebels on ships have slowed but not stopped Red Sea oil shipments, with tanker traffic exiting the region with transponders off and others heading toward the. The closing of chokepoints like Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb of the world's oil supply. Chinese buyers are earlier than usual, seeking to secure supplies amid heightened risks to Middle East flows. In response to these tensions, Gulf states are preparing for a spike in borrowing to finance costly bypasses around the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait successfully raised $6 billion in bonds despite daily missile and drone attacks from Iran, highlighting resilient demand for its debt. The dollar but remained elevated due to expectations of Federal Reserve rate hikes, with haven flows offering support amid. Japanese shoppers are driving up luxury jewelry sales to a record as consumers seek a safe haven from inflation and the weakening yen.

Corporate Earnings and Sector Performance

CATL, the world's largest battery maker driven by surging demand for energy-storage systems, though EV battery sales faced headwinds from weakening demand in China. SLB logged higher second-quarter revenue, boosted by increased offshore activity and strong demand in its data-center business. Charter Communications, however as subscriber numbers continued to drop. Verizon Communications saw revenue tick down and profit fall due to joint-venture costs, though it still gained postpaid phone connections. Booz Allen Hamilton reported lower fiscal first-quarter profit and revenue, but maintained its outlook amid accelerating demand in certain business areas. American Express posted higher sales and profit, attributed to increased card. SAP shares jumped after strong quarterly revenue figures reassured investors about its cloud business resilience, despite fears of AI disruption. Texas Instruments reported a higher second-quarter profit and revenue, with profit reaching $1.98 billion. Edwards Lifesciences narrowed its full-year sales outlook after second-quarter growth, now expecting sales between $6.6 billion and $6.9 billion. Lysol maker Reckitt plans to offload its sanctions-hit Russian hygiene business to Arnest Management, a deal expected to complete in the second half of 2026. Reckitt will take a £175 million hit from the sale of its Russian hygiene business.

Financial Markets and Investment Trends

Travelers Companies Inc. shares, eyeing their best year since 2000, have attracted a wave of downgrades, with Wall Street betting that the stock's gains have peaked. In the US preferred market, tight valuations are raising concerns. European equity indexes largely edged higher, with software stocks bouncing back after significant selling in the previous session. Gold prices as higher real yields and rate-hike expectations weighed on the metal'