Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Corporate Earnings and Outlooks

Sherwin-Williams lifted full-year after reporting higher profit and sales, now expecting mid- to high-single-digit percentage sales growth. Corning posted higher in its second quarter, driven by demand for its AI optical products. Coca-Cola recorded higher due to improved concentrate sales, pricing, and product mix. Centene raised 2026 on projected profit and revenue growth, particularly from its core healthcare lines, and later after better-than-expected second-quarter results. Hilton raised its outlook on the back of increased revenue and hotel rates, reporting a second-quarter profit of $482 million. PayPal lifted profitability, signaling progress in its turnaround efforts.

Travel and Transportation Sector Pressures

JetBlue Airways in the second quarter, primarily due to increased jet fuel costs, though higher fares and strong demand partially offset the impact. Singapore Airlines swung to a quarterly net loss for the first time since 2022, despite higher revenue, burdened by soaring jet-fuel prices and increased losses from its stake in Air India. Royal Caribbean Group for the year as geopolitical uncertainty continued to pressure bookings in the second quarter. Boeing pouring significant into its factories to accelerate production of Air Force One and commercial jets, aiming to keep the new presidential plane on schedule for a 2028 delivery. The FAA issued a directive for airlines to inspect seat installations on certain Boeing planes, citing reports of incorrect fitting in seat tracks.

Energy Markets and Global Supply Chains

OPEC+ plans pause after September, as delegates monitor the evolving supply impact of the Iran war. U.S. drivers are, with refining margins near record highs leading processors to prioritize diesel production over gasoline. Singapore warned economic if the global AI boom falters, with its central bank highlighting cybersecurity threats from AI models and quantum computing. China's grip electrification poses significant risks to the green transition and could affect inflation. Wildfires in France and Spain are being tackled by firefighters before an anticipated heat wave, while the Democratic Party faces debt and disarray, with some areas seeing mass evacuations. The Cuban economy is struggling with an energy crisis.

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

GSK launching cost-saving targeting annual savings of $2.52 billion by 2029 to accelerate its drug pipeline and meet 2031 sales targets. The company also announced it, with its new Cambridge site intended to bolster its medicine pipelines. Centene previously, contributing to its boosted guidance.

Technology and Investment Trends

Corning saw demand for its AI optical products drive higher profit and sales in the second quarter. Shares in semiconductor companies plunged globally in South Korea and Europe, raising doubts about the sustainability of the AI trade. S&P 500 futures remained muted as chip stocks extended their declines, with traders awaiting key tech earnings and the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision. The cost of protecting Nvidia debt against default surged by the most on record, as fear replaces AI greed in the tech sector. Retail bettors are on prediction market platforms like Kalshi, resulting in significant losses for gamblers and opportunities for sophisticated traders. Hillhouse Investment Management-backed Elevate Campuses Ltd. is preparing to launch a $267 million initial public offering in India in August.

Financial Markets and Risk Assets

According to HSBC strategists, strong earnings growth and risk assets, despite a challenging inflation backdrop. Man Group are "far too complacent" regarding the risks associated with Additional Tier 1 bonds, suggesting current spreads are too tight. Meta faces a mountain of social-media lawsuits that could cost it billions.

Geopolitical Tensions and Market Impact

An attack on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea, representing a direct encounter between Iran and Ukraine. The area around Bordeaux, France. Iran's leaders are betting on enduring more pain than President Trump and holding leverage over the Strait of Hormuz amid a lull in fighting.