Public Markets 3h Briefing

Last updated: July 25, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Middle East Tensions Flare

Oil futures rose 1.2% ft.com as Saudi Arabia struck Houthi targets following rebel attacks on energy infrastructure. The tit-for-tat exchanges risk expanding ft.com the regional conflict, which began with a U.S. deal with Iran that has since collapsed.

AI Spending Shifts

Corporate America is rethinking wsj.com its artificial intelligence investments, as companies begin to mix AI models to alter industry economics. Meanwhile, the so-called "Trump trade" is proving volatile bloomberg.com for stock market investors anticipating policy shifts.