Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Consumer Goods and Retail

Keurig Dr Pepper reported higher sales in the second quarter, continuing its efforts to separate into two distinct companies. Restaurant Brands International saw its profit increase in the second quarter, largely due to a strong performance from Burger King U.S. Warby Parker achieved profitability in the second quarter, aided by a tariff refund that offset expenses related to an upcoming AI-powered eyewear launch. Kenvue also reported higher profit and sales in the second quarter, driven by increased prices and sales volumes as it moves towards its acquisition by Kimberly-Clark. Molson Coors Beverage experienced a decline in second-quarter sales, struggling to balance subdued consumer demand with rising supply costs. Fitness Inc. cut its profit outlook, signaling increased investment in marketing and adjustments to pricing strategies to stimulate slower member sign-ups. Flags Entertainment Corp. shares declined after its second-quarter attendance and revenue figures fell short of expectations.

Energy and Industrials

Conoco Phillips reported an increase in second-quarter profit, primarily attributed to a rise in average oil and gas prices. In the energy sector, oil futures declined as there was a possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following statements from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicating the U.S. might be close to an agreement with Iran. Saudi Aramco announced a 33% profit surge for the quarter, driven by higher oil prices, and successfully utilized pipelines to circumvent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. natural gas futures experienced a modest increase, with expectations of warmer temperatures next week supporting power-sector demand. Glencore Plc reported a significant increase in profits, fueled by a boom in its trading operations and record copper prices, with its trading unit having one of its best periods amid soaring energy prices due to the Iran conflict. Nickel prices fell to their lowest level since mid-July due to speculation that Indonesia may increase the ore-production quota for one of its largest mines, potentially increasing supply. Lumber prices surged despite a downturn in the housing market.

Technology and Media

Warner Bros. Discovery reported a narrowed profit in the second quarter, impacted by a substantial charge, while its revenue decreased. Revenue for Warner Bros. Discovery fell due to the loss of National Basketball Association broadcasting rights and a less impactful film slate compared to the previous year. SoftBank Group reported a profit that surpassed expectations, boosted by an increase in the value of its stake in Intel. The Japanese technology investment company's bottom line was further improved by a surge in the valuation of its Intel holdings. SoftBank Group Corp. announced a smaller-than-anticipated decline in quarterly net income, supported by a rally in its chip-related investments while it anticipates further gains from its strategic investments in OpenAI. Siemens shares fell as the order growth for its digital industries division fell short of projections, with excess customer inventories and weak demand in China delaying a broader recovery. Motorola Solutions raised its full-year outlook, projecting adjusted earnings between $17.62 and $17.72 per share on revenue of approximately $12.98 billion. forecasts increased demand for its AI software from U.S. entities, reporting a 23% climb in American sales in its second-quarter results.

Financials and Markets

Profit at Blackstone Inc.'s publicly traded private credit fund decreased by 94% in the second quarter due to a decline in the value of its holdings, although the performance of its loans remained stable. Commerzbank AG unveiled a new share buyback program as Chief Executive Bettina Orlopp aims to showcase the strong returns generated by her strategy, while Italian rival UniCredit SpA is reportedly preparing for potential actions. Commerzbank CEO Bettina Orlopp called for constructive dialogue with UniCredit following the Italian bank's acquisition of a near-majority stake in its German competitor. Ratings stated that Fitch Ratings is upgrading 30 tranches of collateralized loan obligations, in addition to hundreds of other tranches it had previously considered for upgrades under a new methodology. Nickel prices declined to the lowest level since mid-July on renewed speculation that Indonesia will grant a higher ore-production quota to one of the country’s largest mines, potentially boosting supplies. Copper prices rose for the third consecutive trading session, reaching new record highs, while gold and silver prices also settled higher. settled 0.38% lower at $4033.70, marking a second consecutive session of declines, while silver rose 0.1%, showing gains in three of the past four sessions.

International Markets and Deals

Paramount Skydance Corp.’s $110 billion takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. received some regulatory clearance as Britain’s antitrust watchdog and culture minister decided against further escalation. A judge has scheduled the trial for the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger for March, with Paramount having requested a November trial for an antitrust lawsuit filed by state attorneys general. Partners Group is reportedly nearing a €2 billion deal to acquire a majority stake in the French beauty products company Aroma-Zone from Eurazeo. The French asset manager Eurazeo is in discussions to sell its stake in Aroma-Zone, a company specializing in face serums and food supplements. Mitsubishi UBE Cement Corp. is planning a public listing in Tokyo as early as December, approximately five years after its formation through the consolidation of units from Japanese materials companies. India has expanded its share sale in the state-run insurance giant LIC to $3.3 billion, driven by strong demand that has already oversubscribed the initial offer, thereby strengthening public finances amidst challenges from high inflation. A panel of Indian lawmakers has proposed new rules that would permit companies registered overseas to transfer their registration to an International Financial Services Centre within India.

Corporate Strategy and Outlook

Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker, is aiming to achieve $1 billion in cost savings starting in the current fiscal year through operational efficiencies and supply chain improvements. Chief executive Moreau has outlined a restructuring plan for Diageo, the producer of Guinness and Johnnie Walker, aimed at reviving the company's performance. WPP Plc shares experienced a significant surge, marking their largest single-day gain since their 1995 initial public offering, as the advertising agency reported that its turnaround initiatives are gaining momentum. WPP stated that revenue, excluding pass-through costs, declined less sharply last quarter due to a recovery in its media-buying operations. WPP's improved results follow a comprehensive review by the London-listed advertising group aimed at streamlining its various business segments. Rheinmetall AG lowered its sales forecast for the current year following the cancellation of a German naval contract valued at several billion euros. The German defense company anticipates annual sales to be between $15.83 billion and $16.41 billion, a forecast that still exceeds its reported sales from the previous year. Germany's Merck KGaA has raised its outlook, citing robust results and easing currency headwinds, pointing to stronger demand in the life science and electronics sectors and resilience in its healthcare operations. Amgen has increased its full-year revenue forecast to between $38.2 billion and $39.4 billion but announced it is discontinuing the development of a potential obesity treatment currently in phase 1 studies.

Economic and Geopolitical Factors

The U.S. intends to halt exports of key metal waste as part of an initiative to reduce reliance on China. White House guidelines will exempt U.S. open models from government review, and the U.K. regulator is easing its listing rules. Investors are contemplating whether the "Sell America" trade has returned, as bonds and the dollar are being weighed down by policy decisions in Washington. The prospect of reopening the Strait of Hormuz has boosted European stock indexes, with the Europe-wide Stoxx 600 index showing gains led by consumer-facing stocks and healthcare companies. Eurozone government bond yields have edged higher, with investors focusing on the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the upcoming release of key U.S. monthly jobs data. Gold prices have remained above the $4,300-an-ounce level amid increasing optimism that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz will alleviate inflationary pressures and reduce expectations of interest rate hikes. Crude futures have fallen to a three-week low following Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's statement that the U.S. may be close to an agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar has reported progress in related discussions. The S&P 500 reached an all-time high, driven by hopes for an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with bonds also climbing and oil prices falling, and Wall Street's enthusiasm was further bolstered by a series of solid corporate earnings reports.

Other Notable Business News

P&G seals a $3.8 billion deal to acquire the supplements company Thorne, expanding its health division in a sector that has experienced significant growth since the COVID-19 pandemic. East African Breweries Plc reported its annual profit growth at the fastest pace in four years, despite accelerating inflation in its primary market, Kenya, which has impacted consumer spending power. Uber and Wayve have received approval for supervised robotaxi rides in London, with Transport for London granting private-hire vehicle licenses to Wayve's autonomous vehicles, which will operate with a safety driver present to take control if necessary. Etsy plans to cut 12% of its workforce as CEO Kruti Goyal shifts focus to the core marketplace, with the layoffs not being driven by cost-cutting initiatives or artificial intelligence. A new report indicates that meeting data center demand primarily through natural gas creates financial risks for utility customers. The U.S. is banning exports of lithium ion battery and tungsten waste.