Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 26, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Middle East Tensions Ease, Oil Prices Retreat

Oil prices fell sharply after the U.S. and Iran, easing concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East. Brent crude opened lower following two weeks of escalating violence that had pushed prices above $100 a barrel. Gold gained as the pause in fighting over the weekend led to a softer dollar and lower bond yields. Asian currencies were mixed but showed potential for strengthening amid signs of a de-escalation. U.S. stock futures stabilized in early trading as oil retreated on hopes of peace talks.

Big Tech and AI Investment Drive Bond Issuance

Big Tech companies' insatiable appetite for artificial intelligence investment is fueling a relentless wave of bond sales, having a significant impact on the U.S. corporate bond market. BlackRock Inc. experienced soft for a corporate bond sale linked to a Meta Platforms Inc. data center project, reflecting investor concerns about excessive AI infrastructure spending. Despite fears of AI disruption, SAP shares jumped after strong quarterly results reassured investors about the resilience of its cloud business.

Asian Markets See Mixed Performance, Chinese IPO Soars

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. shares surged in China after the world's largest EV battery manufacturer announced a share buyback plan alongside strong first-half earnings. Trip.com Group Ltd. shares jumped in Hong Kong, marking its biggest gain in nearly a year, as the outcome of its antitrust investigation largely met expectations, removing a key overhang. Chinese chipmaker CXMT soared almost 500% in its market debut, reflecting booming demand for AI memory chips and marking the biggest IPO in mainland China since 2010. In contrast, Asian private credit fundraising sank to a 12-year low in the first half, with investors favoring larger U.S. managers.

Bank Indonesia Governor's Departure Sparks Policy Concerns

The resignation of Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo is expected to heighten uncertainty and volatility across Indonesia's financial markets. Analysts are citing concerns over the future policy direction of the central bank following his departure.

Global Brands Face Scrutiny Over Sourcing

Several major food brands in Australia are selling tomato products sourced from China as if they were domestically produced. Forensic testing indicates some products originate from the Xinjiang region, raising questions about transparency and origin labeling.

Blackstone to Acquire HSBC's Australian Loan Portfolio

Blackstone Inc.'s private credit division is set to acquire HSBC Holdings Plc’s Australian loan book, valued at over A$30 billion ($21 , according to reports.

Woodside Energy's Browse Gas Field Declared State Significant Project

Woodside Energy Group Ltd.’s A$48.7 billion ($34 Browse gas field development has been declared a State Significant Project. This designation allows for expedited approvals from the Western Australia government.

Japanese Bonds Rally Amid Falling Crude Oil Prices

JGB futures rose in early Tokyo trading as falling crude oil prices typically contribute to lower inflation in Japan. Japanese stocks also were higher, led by airline and auto sectors, as fears of further escalation in the Iran conflict eased.

China's Pork Market Grapples with Weak Consumer Demand

Despite government efforts to boost pork prices, China's pork market recovery is struggling to overcome tepid consumer demand, with consumers still not buying enough to sustain the rally.

Blackstone and Bain Capital Vie for Wealth Manager Acquisition

Private equity firms Carlyle and Bain Capital are battling to acquire a wealth manager in a potential $7 billion deal, as they seek recurring earnings from independent wealth management groups.

European Stocks Higher, Software Stocks Rebound

European equity indexes in early trade, recovering from sharp selling in the previous session, with software stocks showing a rebound. Oil pared some recent gains.

Ukraine Seeks Long-Term Energy Pact with Canada

Ukraine is looking to sign a 30-year strategic energy agreement with Canada, proposing an "energy security bridge" focused on Canadian LNG supply.

Russia Halts Oil Loadings at Black Sea Port Amid Safety Concerns

The largest Russian oil port in the Black Sea paused tanker loadings due to a surge in Ukrainian drone attacks in the area, raising safety concerns.

Colombia Rations LNG Amid Port Shutdown

Colombia's government is urging schools and businesses to operate remotely due to planned maintenance of its sole LNG import terminal, which will lead to natural gas rationing.

European Ban on Russian Gas Tankers Looms

Europeans express fear of increasing dependence on American energy as a Jan. 1 deadline approaches for ending liquefied natural gas imports from Russia.

New Yorkers Bid Farewell to REI SoHo Store

Customers gathered to mourn the closure of the REI SoHo store in the Puck building after 15 years of operation.

Indonesian Former Graft Prosecutor Arrested

Indonesia’s former top graft prosecutor was arrested on suspicion of money laundering, following police raids that uncovered $26 million in gold bars and cash.

France and Spain Battle Deadly Wildfires

More than 250,000 people fled towns and villages in Spain and France as uncontrolled wildfires, fueled by soaring temperatures, moved closer to major metropolitan areas.

Forever Chemicals Raise Health Anxieties

The quest to detoxify household items has become charged with anxiety as concerns grow over the ubiquitous presence of "forever chemicals."

US Economic Anxieties Surface in Digital Store Label Debate

New Jersey became the first state to halt electronic price tags, partly due to fears they could be used for surveillance and reflecting broader U.S. economic anxieties.

AI and Drones to Drive Britain's Reindustrialization Push

Chips and drones will be at the heart of the UK's push to "reindustrialize," according to the AI minister, who views technology as a means for Britain to regain its economic footing.

Defense Giants Back Military Start-ups

Traditional defense companies are acting more like venture capitalists, providing record backing for military start-ups as drones and autonomous systems transform the battlefield.

Deadly Storm in Chile Disrupts Copper Mines, Raises AI Supply Concerns

A deadly storm in Chile has disrupted copper mines, raising concerns about the supply chain for AI development, which relies on high-altitude mines exposed to increasing weather volatility.

Barrick Evacuates Workers After Storm in Chile

Barrick Mining Corp. safely evacuated workers stranded in northern Chile after severe storms blocked road access to their camp.

China Buys East Russian Oil Amid Middle East Risks

Chinese buyers are snapping up Russia's ESPO crude earlier than usual, as heightened risks to Middle East oil flows prompt refiners to secure supplies preemptively.

Robotaxi Company Waymo Accumulates Parking Fines in Austin

As robotaxis scale up, cities and law enforcement agencies are cracking down on their behavior, with Waymo accumulating thousands of dollars in parking fines in Austin.

Blockbuster IPOs Create New Millionaires, Philanthropies Seek Share

As start-ups like Anthropic and OpenAI prepare to go public, non-profits are hoping for a secondary giving windfall from the newly wealthy tech entrepreneurs.

Coca-Cola's New Branding Sparks Marlboro Comparisons

Coca-Cola's new brand has drawn comparisons to the typeface used by the cigarette brand Marlboro, sparking discussions among consumers and design enthusiasts.

PE-Backed Robotics Firm Brooks Automation Considers IPO

Brooks Automation, a robotics and software automation company backed by Thomas H. Lee Partners, is considering an initial public offering.

European Stocks Edge Higher as Software Stocks Bounce Back

European equity indexes in early trade after sharp selling in the previous session, with oil paring some recent gains.

Japanese Banks with Shipping Finance Expertise Plan Merger

A proposed merger between Iyogin Holdings Inc. and Ehime Bank Ltd. adds to a series of M&A activities among Japanese regional lenders, driven by an aging and shrinking population impacting their businesses.

Consumer and Business Confidence Rise Amid Sun, Football, and Political Change

Consumer and business confidence have risen, boosted by favorable weather, football events, and political shifts, though economists warn optimism may not last if oil prices remain near $100 a barrel.

Oil Continues to Flow From Red Sea as Hormuz Bypass Remains Open

Millions of barrels of Saudi Arabian crude from the Red Sea coast to the global market, despite threats and attacks by Houthi militants.

US Futures Stabilize as Oil Falls Below $100

U.S. stock futures stabilized as oil prices fell below $100 a barrel, with the absence of fresh U.S.-Iran escalations offering hope for a de-escalation.

Zara Billionaire Buys Paris Office Complex for €800 Million

Zara billionaire Amancio Ortega purchased a business center in Paris from Invesco Ltd., marking his largest transaction in Europe to date.

Travelers Companies Sees Downgrades Amid Strong Stock Performance

Travelers Companies Inc. shares, which are eyeing their best year since 2000, have faced a wave of downgrades as Wall Street bets that the stock's gains may have peaked.

India's Young Protesters Use Phones to Bypass Media Control

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tightly controlled image is being challenged by a Gen Z-led protest movement utilizing videos and memes to seize the digital narrative.

Hong Kong Stock Exchange Relaxes Listing Rules

The Hong Kong stock exchange has relaxed its listing rules as part of a global competitiveness drive, despite the bourse being increasingly dominated by Chinese companies.

Democrats Prepare for Potential Election Clashes with Federal Government

Top officials overseeing state elections and law enforcement are stepping up preparations for potential interference in the upcoming midterm elections.

Venezuela's Earthquakes Highlight Wealth Divide

The earthquakes in Venezuela have exposed deep-seated inequalities in Latin America, affecting even the deceased.

SAP Shares Climb on Strong Cloud Business Resilience

SAP shares climbed after the company reported strong revenue figures