Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Energy Markets Surge on Geopolitical Tensions

Oil futures climbed for a fourth day amid escalating Middle East conflict, with continuing in a bid to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Military clashes over the waterway, spurring investments for new US liquefied natural gas export infrastructure, according to S&P Global. Asian stocks were set for a mixed opening as oil ticked higher that saw shares rally on softer inflation data. Gold steadied, as traders weighed softer-than-expected inflation data against escalating attacks in the Middle East for clues to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path.

Corporate Dealmaking and Investment Flows

Next Era and Dominion Energy filed to merge, creating a combined company with 10 million customers across the Southeast pending regulatory approval. Global investors are exploring creative proxy trades to gain exposure to China’s memory-chip leader, CXMT, as they of the country's largest IPO in nearly four years. Billionaire Li Ka-shing and his family are preparing for a leadership shift with the sale of various assets to overhaul Hong Kong’s business empire. BHP Group Ltd.’s iron ore production slipped in the June quarter as the miner focuses on expansions in copper and potash.

Economic Indicators and Central Bank Watch

Funding conditions in Malaysia’s money market will likely tighten further later this year, with some analysts expecting stronger economic growth to prompt the country’s central bank to raise interest rates. The WSJ Dollar Index fell 0.3% to 96.86, marking a second consecutive day of declines. China's economy grew at one of its lowest rates in years.