Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 27, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Asian Equities Decline on Chipmaker Weakness, Oil Extends Losses

Asian equities are set for a weaker open as a selloff in chipmakers dragged US stocks lower, while oil extended its decline. Gold held after President Donald Trump indicated that the US and Iran are engaged in talks to end the Middle East conflict, a development that has stoked inflationary concerns and raised the likelihood of higher interest rates. extended steep following Trump's comments on the ongoing negotiations. SK Hynix Inc., which experienced a $470 billion rout in just over a month, has become a question mark in the AI trade, its rebound now hinging on continued AI spending.

BlackRock Secures $12.5 Billion for Meta Data Center, Union Pacific Merger Progresses

BlackRock Inc. wrapped up a $12.5 billion bond sale tied to a Meta Platforms Inc. data center project in Texas. The debt issuance followed a nearly week-long marketing process and a selloff in big tech debt. Meanwhile, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to the Surface Transportation Board regarding their proposed merger. The companies added commitments, including expanded gateway pricing, to assure faster and more reliable service from the combined railroad.

Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Commentary

President Donald Trump while discussing luxury cars, and also assured supporters that negotiations over ending the war in Iran are continuing in a "friendly" fashion. The conflict has sent fuel and energy prices soaring. Elsewhere, forecasters expected through the day after tornado damage was reported in Wisconsin. Hundreds of thousands of people are also evacuating as fires tear through Europe, and Congress debates daylight saving time.