Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Commodities and Energy Markets

Crude oil extended its gains to $85 a barrel, fueled by renewed US-Iran hostilities that have boosted the outlook for biofuels as palm oil climbed for a second day. China's green-tech exports surged by over a third in the first half of the year, driven by demand from the global energy transition, while its monthly car exports for the first time.

Global Equities and Bonds

US small-cap stocks beyond big tech, with the Russell 2000 on course for its best year since 2003, aided by AI spending and tax changes. Japan's 20-year government bond auction following remarks by Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama that bolstered sentiment toward sovereign debt. Indonesia anticipates S&P Global Ratings' affirmation of its credit profile will after a June selloff.

Corporate Earnings and Investments

Ericsson cautioned lower in its networks business due to rising component costs, expecting a slight decrease next quarter after reporting a sales drop in North America. Rothschild's UK investment bank saw profits ate into higher deal fees, though M&A recovery lifted revenues. South Africa's antitrust regulator Harith General Partners' proposal to acquire budget carrier Fly Safair.

Technology and AI Developments

A black market for AI chips is thriving as the US tightens export controls, enabling advanced semiconductors to reach China. The evolution of AI presents fresh opportunities for "hoodwinkers and charlatans," according to an analysis of the new "Mechanical Turk" phenomenon. Legal claims related to AI are exposing gaps in conventional insurance, leaving businesses exposed to a widening range of lawsuits as AI shifts from chatbot errors to autonomous 'agents' according to a report. SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, suggesting leaders unwilling to embrace technology should "play the role of spouse."

Geopolitical and Regulatory Shifts

The Ukraine-Russia war has shifted to the skies, with the ground war stalemated and the primary conflict now involving missiles and interceptors. South Korea plans to to expand the global use of the won and deepen its overseas adoption. Spain began Gibraltar airport checks as Brexit, effectively turning the UK territory into part of the Schengen zone. China expelled former Politburo member Ma Xingrui from the ruling Communist Party, accusing him of corruption and abuse of power, among other offenses according to reports. India's deportations of Bangladeshi immigrants are causing tension along the border, leaving people stranded amid rising disputes between the nations.