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

Global Markets React to Geopolitical Tensions and Tech Sector Shifts

Crude oil surged significantly following reports of fighting in the Middle East, reigniting concerns over energy supply stability. US equity-index futures declined sharply in response to the escalating geopolitical tensions. In related news, oil as fresh fighting erupted in the region, underscoring the continued threats to energy flows. Meanwhile, chip stocks experienced a downturn as the sell-off in artificial intelligence-related equities intensified.

Corporate Earnings and Outlooks Show Mixed Performance

SK Hynix in its second-quarter net profit, with a 13-fold increase, driven by persistent demand for AI-related memory chips. Bloom Energy Corp. surged in trading after its earnings more than doubled analyst expectations and the fuel-cell technology provider raised its full-year guidance for the second consecutive quarter. Bloom Energy also boosted its outlook as profit and sales climbed, posting a profit of $196.3 million. Ford's second-quarter performance, however, though the automaker expressed no concern, buoyed by sales of high-margin off-road vehicles.

Regulatory and Legal Developments in the US

Canada will abandon to compel US streamers to finance domestic broadcasting, according to a court filing. Jay Clayton was confirmed by the Senate to lead the U.S. Intelligence Community, though he faced criticism for his stance on the 2020 election results. A former Goldman Sachs banker went on trial for allegedly paying bribes to Ghanaian officials to secure a power plant deal. In healthcare, millions of older Americans as Trump plans to end subsidies for Medicare drug premiums after 2026. Separately, Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to overturn an $83.3 million defamation award related to the E. Jean Carroll case.

Tech Industry Debates and Legal Scrutiny

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized the centralization of AI power, advocating for more open development in the field and taking aim at companies like Anthropic and OpenAI. The debate over "open weights" in artificial intelligence software has become a major point of discussion in Silicon Valley. Separately, a US citizen for deleting his phone's data during a customs search.

Political Landscape and Investigations

Representative Max Miller from his ex-wife, potentially jeopardizing his Ohio House race. The political evolution of Senator Lindsey Graham was noted at his farewell event, reflecting shifts in Washington's power dynamics. Meanwhile, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear about Senator Mitch McConnell's capacity to serve, following his hospitalization. An investigation into abuses at an arts school once aided by Jeffrey Epstein has uncovered dozens of disturbing accounts of past sexual abuse.