Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 26, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Central Banks and Earnings Season Set to Dominate

Investors will be closely watching central bankers this week as the Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan prepare to announce their latest interest rate decisions. This comes as earnings season, with companies releasing their quarterly results. Meanwhile, the ongoing debate surrounding artificial intelligence safety and capability, with proponents suggesting 'alignment' as a key strategy in managing dangerous knowledge.

Market Speculation and Regulatory Scrutiny

Prediction markets are facing increasing scrutiny, with Wisconsin regulators intensifying a fight with sites like Kalshi ahead of the midterm elections. This regulatory pressure highlights the growing interest and potential impact of these platforms on market dynamics. In the entertainment sector, the potential merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery limited market on content availability, though it could have other, as yet undefined, effects.

Corporate Dealmaking and Space Exploration

A European start-up with ambitions mirroring SpaceX is reportedly in talks to raise $300 million for its reusable space capsule technology, aiming for a $2 billion valuation. This venture into the burgeoning space exploration market signals significant investor interest in the sector's future. Elsewhere, Gatwick Airport has issued an apology after a water shortage disrupted services, including toilets and some food and beverage outlets, though flights remained operational.