Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Last updated: July 17, 2026, 5:30 AM ET
Tech Stocks Tumble Amid AI Reversal and Chip Selloff
US equity futures fell sharply as a selloff in semiconductor stocks gathered steam, triggering losses wsj.com for the Nasdaq. Losses for the tech-heavy index were set to deepen, with stocks across the AI complex. The index of US semiconductor stocks was on track ft.com for its worst week since last year’s rout, as investor concerns grow about the AI buildout.
Corporate Insiders Signal Caution, Gold Prices Dip
US corporate insiders are selling shares at the second-fastest pace in more than 20 years, a classic red flag to some investors because it suggests people with the most corporate knowledge are wary bloomberg.com. Gold prices slipped below wsj.com $4,000 a troy ounce and were on track for a weekly decline of more than 3%, as hostilities between the U.S. and Iran fueled rate-hike bets. The dollar edged lower as oil prices stabilized, even as geopolitical tensions continued to simmer wsj.com.
European Equities Gain as Amundi Eyes Energy Transition
UBS Asset Management’s Kevin Zhao is planning to short Treasuries in a bet that the robust US economy will erode the haven appeal of owning government debt, while strategists are increasingly optimistic about European stocks as earnings grow bloomberg.com. Amundi SA wants the European Union to free asset managers to add oil and gas exposures to a new fund category intended to support the transition to a lower-carbon economy, and expects to book a net capital gain of around €300 million ($343 from the IPO of its Indian venture exceeding expectations bloomberg.com.
Burberry Boosted by Demand, Zepto Faces Valuation Cut
UK luxury brand Burberry wsj.com for its first quarter, but noted that it saw growth across divisions for the first time in three years, boosted by demand from the US and China. Meanwhile, Indian fast-delivery company Zepto Ltd. is seeking a valuation in an initial public offering sharply below its $7 billion peak as concerns over cash burn temper optimism around the industry and raise concerns bloomberg.com for its market debut. The Philippine Bourse is preparing a slew of measures, including new exchange-traded funds, to attract retail investors away from online gambling and cryptocurrency trading, aiming to boost bloomberg.com retail trading.