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Last updated: July 21, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Corporate Earnings Signal Resilience Amid Economic Headwinds

Several major U.S. corporations lifted their as second-quarter results surpassed expectations. Northrop Grumman saw sales climb 5% to $10.88 billion, while General Motors reported net income of $1.31 billion on revenue of $48.03 billion. Similarly, 3M upgraded its fiscal year views following strong first-half performance, with both profit and revenue rising in the latest quarter. Hasbro also raised its outlook, driven by robust performance in its Wizards of the Coast and digital gaming segments, swinging to a profit and posting higher revenue. In contrast, homebuilder D.R. Horton due to sluggish buyer demand and ongoing supply chain issues.

Energy Markets Navigate Geopolitical Tensions and Shifting Supply Routes

Escalating hostilities in the Middle East over oil supply security, according to the International Energy Agency. In response to a spate of tanker attacks will halt oil shipments to a Black Sea port, jeopardizing its production capacity. Meanwhile, U.S. drillers are cautiously increasing output, though not at the rapid pace seen during prior growth periods as noted by Bloomberg. Emerging market assets, including stocks, rebounded following China's state-sponsored support for its tech shares and optimism surrounding Iran talks.

UK Market Sees Deal Activity Amidst Political and Financial Uncertainty

The UK stock market is experiencing a significant wave of takeovers, with the total value topping $60 billion following the acquisition of Mitie Group Plc as reported by Bloomberg. This trend sees the market losing over $2 billion weekly to the acquisition of London-listed firms. Investors are closely watching the new U.K. Prime Minister's initial policy measures, which have caused the sterling to turn lower against the euro. Separately, UK carpet maker Victoria Plc.’s balance sheet restructuring efforts face opposition from bondholder HSBC Holdings Plc.

Global Investment and Regulatory Landscape Evolves

Singapore is in Southeast Asia, signaling the region's resilience amid supply chain shifts. In the U.S., a proposed three-way crypto deal involving Tether has been scrapped, with a key leader stepping down. Carlyle Group is reportedly in talks to transfer its ESG consulting firm, Anthesis Group, to its private credit lender, Bridgepoint Group. In Asia, U.S.-based Axiom Biosciences is to capitalize on China's biotech growth. Separately, German regulators concluded a probe into Zalando SE without imposing a fine over a disclosure issue.