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Last updated: July 12, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Geopolitical Tensions Escalate, Disrupting Maritime Trade

The Strait of Hormuz’s southern shipping route remained open on Sunday, despite Iran amid escalating tit-for-tat attacks with the U.S. Iran has launched fresh strikes after Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, retaliating against targets in Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar as hard-liners push for intensified conflict. The ongoing conflict underscores the limited effectiveness of military force in achieving political goals, a lesson evident in both the Iran and Ukraine wars. These international developments come as the world, a move that is already having economic consequences.

AI's Slow March into Industries and Investment

While artificial intelligence has arrived in drug laboratories, investors are questioning its near-term value for pharmaceutical companies. Automation and AI are reshaping equity markets, yet some specialized options brokers are still managing to thrive by offering niche expertise. In other sectors, longer-lasting electric vehicle batteries are surprising consumers, who have expressed a mix of durability concerns and skepticism about the technology. Meanwhile, a multimillion-dollar heist targeting a data center highlights the vulnerability of valuable digital assets stored in anonymous buildings.

Retail and Entertainment Sectors Adapt to New Strategies

Big-box retailers like Costco and Target are to penetrate urban markets, capitalizing on the push for affordable housing. In the entertainment industry, Lionsgate is experiencing a resurgence, with the film "Michael", signaling a revival for the independent studio. Elsewhere, the Democratic Socialist surge among younger voters is in New York City and extending to state legislative primaries in Buffalo and Syracuse, demonstrating the party's broader reach.