Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: July 31, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

European Equities and Corporate Earnings

The FTSE 100 was poised for a rise in early trading as UK stock futures indicated gains, while the pound. French utility Engie SA amid market volatility and cost-cutting measures, which helped offset a profit decline in its first half. Insurer AXA SA after reporting a rise in first-half earnings, with the company remaining confident in its outlook despite assessing the impact of wildfires in France and Spain reported. Siemens Healthineers for the fiscal year due to weakness in its diagnostics division, now expecting comparable revenue growth between 3.5% and 4.0%, down from a previous forecast of 4.5% to 5%.

Asian Markets and Economic Indicators

Asian stocks as investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence drove chipmakers higher, buoyed by strong earnings from major technology firms. South Korea’s stock market in a volatile trading session, rebounding from a sharp sell-off as concerns over artificial intelligence spending eased, boosting the nation's chip shares. Singapore’s retrenchments since the pandemic in the last quarter, attributed to restructuring within some overseas-facing industries. Meanwhile, Kenya’s annual inflation rate climbed to 6.5% in July, exceeding the central bank's target range for a third consecutive month, primarily driven by rising energy costs. China's central bank set the yuan's daily fixing at a weaker level than anticipated, a move analysts suggest may be intended to moderate the currency's recent rapid gains.

Commodities and Market Dynamics

Copper set monthly on indications of tightening global supply, partly fueled by significant material flows to the US. The Rhine River, a crucial trade artery, is nearing its lowest level in eight years, forcing shutdowns of German production facilities as temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius. In the technology sector, Leopold Aschenbrenner's hedge fund sold the bulk of its stocks to Citadel, resulting in a 67% decline in its "Situational Awareness" fund during July. Investors are being for tech sector volatility, with many cross-asset holdings perceived as too concentrated in innovation and insufficiently protected against inflation.

Financial Services and Regulatory Watch

U.S. regulators issued warnings in investments utilized by KKR and Apollo, signaling growing concern over potential unseen risks in assets backing insurance balance sheets. JPMorgan Chase in the football world, following its involvement in Fifa's plans to raise billions, after a previous controversy surrounding the Super League. The Financial Conduct Authority in the UK has launched a new initiative to revitalize London share trading, outlining plans for a consolidated stock data stream and the publication of market depth figures. Shares of competitors to Indian rapid-commerce firm Zepto Ltd., including Swiggy, were set for their best month in years after Zepto's planned initial public offering encountered a roadblock.

Corporate Performance and Outlooks

Sony's first-quarter net profit, supported by growth in its music and image-sensor divisions, leading the company to raise its financial guidance. In Turkey, Kontrolmatik Enerji ve Muhendislik AS's have impacted retail traders, with some small investors having likened its early trajectory to Tesla.