Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Public Markets Overview

U.S. stocks rose for a second session led by tech, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining 1.1% as investors braced for a busy week of earnings reports from artificial intelligence bellwethers. Intel and Micron were among the session's gainers, reflecting broader optimism in the sector. South Korean memory-chip giant SK Hynix is planning a $28 billion offering, which would make it easier for U.S. investors to access one of the world's largest chip producers. Meanwhile, the dollar extended its rally, reaching its most positive outlook since 2015 as traders anticipate borrowing costs remaining elevated for longer fueled by Fed rate hike bets. Hedge funds have turned their most negative on the Japanese yen since 2007, with the currency trading near four-decade lows amid a strengthening dollar.

Corporate & Investment Activity

In corporate news, Toyota plans a $3.6 billion expansion in the U.S., moving Tacoma production to Texas and boosting output at its San Antonio plant. Investors in KKR & Co.'s retail private credit fund received all their requested cash in the second quarter, signaling a potential easing of skittishness in the asset class as redemptions slow. Advertising technology firm Criteo SA has attracted a takeover offer from Vista Equity Partners and Quinti Capital in a private equity bid. Separately, former Tether CIO Richard Heathcote is planning to sell a small stake in the stablecoin giant according to sources. The Trump administration's initiative to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is facing complications with two departments vying for control and legal authority questions.

Market Movers & Shakers

Hertz Global Holdings Inc. shares continue to face pressure, with short sellers boosting their bets to record levels after the stock plummeted nearly 60% in less than two weeks anticipating further declines. In the retail sector, the legacy of George E. Johnson, founder of Afro Sheen, was remembered; his company was the first Black-owned firm listed on a major U.S. stock exchange breaking market barriers. Lone Pine Capital reported a 43% gain in the first half of the year for its hedge fund investors, marking one of its strongest starts to a year driven long short bets. Distressed-debt funds are exploring swapping their holdings in Strategy Inc. amid the company's rout seeking alternative securities.

Commodities & Economic Indicators

U.S. natural gas futures posted moderate gains supported by summer demand, despite abundant supply. Oil futures slipped but held near pre-conflict levels, largely shrugging off typically bearish developments as prices remain stable. Gold futures rebounded to a two-week high driven by peace efforts, as easing inflation concerns directed capital back to precious metals. In Mexico, government spending helped snap a prolonged fall in fixed investment in April, though private investment lagged offering scant relief. New Zealand's central bank is poised to raise its key interest rate this week, signaling a gradual unwinding of stimulus to combat emerging inflation economists predict.