Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Tech Giants Boost AI Spending Amid Market Jitters

Amazon announced it will increase its AI infrastructure spending to $220 billion this year, exceeding its previous projection of $200 billion for 2026. This surge in investment comes as concerns mount over the industry's escalating expenditures, with Amazon's capital expenditures alone soaring 69 percent Big Tech’s. Microsoft's market capitalization saw a historic one-day gain of $450 billion, driving a broader rally in U.S. stocks and reigniting confidence in the artificial intelligence tradeNasdaq leads. Despite the enthusiasm, some investors are questioning whether the AI boom faces a potential bubble, though others welcome the increased investment Why an. Meanwhile, banks are in talks to lend $15 billion for a Google-backed Anthropic data center Banks in.

Energy Markets Brace for Escalation and Disruption

Oil futures rose amid ongoing supply-disruption concerns following attacks in the Black Sea Oil rises. Prices stabilized at the end of a volatile week, poised for the largest monthly gain since March as the U.S.-Iran conflict escalated. Saudi Arabia announced the formation of a maritime defense coalition involving fourteen countries, including Pakistan and Turkey, to protect shipping and energy supplies amid threats to the Red Sea route. Shell reported its second-highest profits ever, with traders capitalizing on disruptions stemming from the Iran conflict, even as its gas production declined. U.S. refiners have posted exceptionally profitable quarters due to a global fuel shortage, exacerbated by refinery closures and ongoing conflicts. Glencore's trading profits doubled, reaching $3.3 billion in the first half, driven by Middle East turmoil that has upended commodities markets. U.S. shale pioneer Harold Hamm is expanding his operations in Argentina's Vaca Muerta oil basin, known for its rapid shale growth.

Automotive Sector Shows Mixed Performance Amid EV Push

Nio Inc. has become the hottest Chinese carmaker this year, with its fully electric SUV leading the nation's sales charts and providing a much-needed financial boost. Rivian Motors reported an increase in sales and narrowed its losses in the second quarter, projecting higher electric vehicle sales for the year. In contrast, Roblox expects a slowdown in revenue growth and a decline in bookings for the current quarter as it implements platform changes. Adidas shares tumbled over 11% after significant marketing spending for the FIFA World Cup impacted its earnings.

Global Markets React to Yen Intervention and Economic Slowdown

The yen surged by the most in over two years against the dollar after Japanese authorities intervened in the market to support the depreciating currency ahead of a Bank of Japan policy decision. The dollar weakened against the yen, with a 2.3% drop, though official intervention remained unconfirmed. Chinese stocks are on course for their worst month in a decade. The economy is showing signs of slowing. Bolivia’s central bank will intervene in the foreign exchange market to stabilize its currency, which has fallen 22% since adopting a flexible FX regime.

Defense and Infrastructure Spending Rises Amid Global Tensions

The Pentagon has committed over $120 billion for Patriot missiles and submarines, with the Army modifying its contract with Lockheed Martin to increase production. Cybersecurity concerns persist, with Stryker reporting higher profit and revenue as it recovers from a March cyberattack. The U.S. government is reportedly moving to block robot imports from China, escalating technological and industrial rivalry between the two nations.

Corporate Earnings and Financial Performance Vary

Live Nation Entertainment reported a 9% revenue increase, exceeding Wall Street estimates, driven by strong international demand for concerts. Apple forecasts slower growth due to supply chain constraints related to AI development, though its smartphone revenue rose over a fifth. Apple's profit increased 27%, surpassing expectations, partly due to price hikes on products affected by AI-driven component shortages. Bristol Myers Squibb raised its full-year outlook following higher profit and revenue, supported by its newer treatments. Schneider Electric upgraded its full-year targets after achieving record first-half performance, now expecting adjusted organic earnings growth between 14% and 19%. Airbus reported surging profits and increased jet deliveries as supply chain issues eased. Universal Music Group saw revenue climb 13% year-over-year to $3.77 billion, driven by subscription and streaming growth. Weyerhaeuser's profit rose, supported by increased prices for lumber and western logs despite macroeconomic uncertainty.

Private Credit Markets Face Challenges and Strategic Shifts

Fitch Ratings reported a record high default rate in the U.S. private debt market during the second quarter. Blue Owl is increasing its focus on real assets to mitigate private credit woes, with its real assets segment outperforming credit in fundraising during the second quarter Blue owl. Investment giants like KKR are successfully navigating the private credit slowdown, with KKR recording its best-ever quarterly asset sales despite a broader slump in the private equity sector. Investors are seeking refuge in short-dated debt to hedge against interest-rate volatility and market swings.

Cryptocurrency Market Sees Volatility and Exchange Challenges

Coinbase swung to a loss, reporting a 19% drop in second-quarter revenue to $1.22 billion, missing analyst expectations. Strategy Inc. reported an $8.22 billion loss from a prior year's profit of $10.02 billion, as Bitcoin prices declined.

Other Notable Market and Business Developments

Carvana Co. shares experienced a significant slump, creating a potential windfall for bearish investors. Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. shares fell 6% on their first trading day after raising $1 billion in an IPO. First Solar reported a decline in sales due to customer contract cancellations offsetting increased module sales. Crocs raised its full-year outlook but provided a cautious near-term view, leading to a share price decline. Starbucks is addressing food availability challenges in its cafes. Barclays raised its group income and net interest income targets, benefiting from its global markets and investment banking units.