Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Global Markets & Economic Indicators

Global equities gained ground as a risk-on sentiment persisted following earlier cooler-than-expected U.S. jobs data, which also contributed to a weakening dollar. In Europe, business activity in the euro area was revised upward to stagnation for June, a better outcome than the initial contraction estimates. Japanese wage negotiations concluded for the third consecutive year with average pay gains exceeding 5%, signaling economic resilience that may support the Bank of Japan's path toward normalizing monetary policy. Meanwhile, French Finance Minister Roland Lescure is advocating for a 2027 budget targeting a deficit below 5% of GDP.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices remained stable as ample near-term supply was indicated by contango in prompt futures spreads. French energy major Total Energies SE is offering millions of barrels of Iraqi crude for prompt delivery to Asia, adding to supply gluts in a market already anticipating significant volumes. Citi analysts forecast Brent crude could slide to $60 a barrel by Christmas, citing reasons for both the U.S. and Iran to maintain a ceasefire, while global food prices eased in June. China urged "unimpeded passage" through the Strait of Hormuz amid discussions of potential vessel fees, as Qatar resumed LNG tanker traffic through the critical waterway.

Corporate Movers & Shakers

Pluxee shares rose in trading after reporting a third-quarter revenue decline of 3.3% on an organic basis, which was narrower than the 4.3% drop analysts had anticipated. In the financial sector, Taiwanese brokerage Yuanta Securities Co. and its subsidiary are seeking up to NT$42 billion ($1.3 in syndicated loans from banks. UK neobank Starling Bank is planning to cut jobs as part of a restructuring effort to simplify operations, following a dip in profits.

Food Retail Strategy

Grocery giant Aldi's expansion into Manhattan's Midtown district, its first store in the area, is part of a strategy to lower food costs for consumers. The company's U.S. Chief Commercial Officer Scott Patton detailed the retailer's approach to cost management in a recent discussion.