Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Last updated: July 15, 2026, 5:30 AM ET
Markets Embrace Lower Inflation, Dollar Dips
U.S. stock futures climbed Wednesday wsj.com as markets dialed back U.S. rate-hike expectations following an unexpectedly upbeat inflation print. The dollar remained weaker wsj.com after lower-than-forecast U.S. inflation data dampened expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike. Asian stocks also gained wsj.com on the softer U.S. inflation reading. Gold, however, slipped wsj.com after climbing more than 2% in the previous session as investors balanced the softer inflation print against risks stemming from higher energy prices.
Energy Prices Surge on Renewed Iran Blockade
Oil prices rose wsj.com, with Brent crude trading just shy of $86 a barrel after the U.S. reinstated its naval blockade on Iran. The renewed blockade boosted sentiment nytimes.com for risk assets, though the impact on oil prices is being watched closely given lower global oil reserves and heightened shipping risks. U.S. naval blockades on Iran have previously choked off exports without causing a lasting price surge, but the current geopolitical climate presents different risks.
Corporate Earnings and Outlooks Show Mixed Signals
Luxury goods group Richemont ft.com, driven by robust jewelry demand, achieving consecutive quarters of double-digit growth. In the semiconductor sector, ASML raised its forecasts ft.com, with shares climbing 7% as the Dutch company struck a bullish tone on the durability of the artificial intelligence boom. Conversely, IBM's share price plunged ft.com, signaling a potential warning to the broader IT sector as AI demand begins to crowd out other forms of spending. Housebuilder Barratt Developments ft.com after investor pressure and reported a pretax profit increase for the fiscal year, citing higher house sales and prices. Mining company Antofagasta backed its guidance wsj.com on expectations of higher copper output in the remainder of the year, though second-quarter copper production held broadly steady.
UK Utility Faces Liquidity Concerns
Thames Water ft.com, stating it can survive for the next 12 months but cautioning that liquidity may fall short before a recapitalization. Meanwhile, in a move that could impact housing markets, the U.S. House of Representatives nytimes.com, though the bill's fate remains uncertain in the Senate.