Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Markets React to Inflation Data and Geopolitical Tensions

Treasury yields and the dollar fell sharply as U.S. inflation cooled, with the Consumer Price Index showing a 3.5 percent annual increase in June and prices marking their biggest monthly. However, yields and the dollar later. Brent crude oil climbed to $87 as tensions in the Middle East escalated, with the U.S. responding to Iranian attacks on tankers with further strikes . U.S. natural gas futures but struggled amid adequate domestic supply. Gold futures at $4061.10, and silver rose nearly 2%, ending a two-session losing streak . Fuel markets in the U.S. and Europe are experiencing record tightness.

Financial Sector Sees Strong Performance Amidst Broader Economic Crosscurrents

Wall Street banks on the back of a stock trading boom, benefiting from the AI frenzy and the SpaceX IPO . JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Bank of America were among the financial institutions reporting robust results . This strong performance in the banking sector comes even as. Tech giants and financial institutions are, with Wall Street no longer the sole industry reaching into every corner of the economy . EV maker Lucid has hired a firm to advise on its turnaround strategy, facing struggles with sales, quality, and turnover.

Global Trade and Political Landscape Shift

President Trump its proposed 20% cargo fee for the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead for Gulf investment in exchange for safe passage. This decision has raised concerns among shipping industry experts about potential repercussions from other nations. Oil futures following the withdrawal of the Hormuz fee plan . The debate over sanctions against Russia remains uncertain following Senator Lindsey Graham's passing. Senate Democrats, however over the war in Iran, reflecting a sapping of bipartisan support for measures related to the Middle East conflict .

Technology and Infrastructure Sectors Show Divergent Trends

AI data-center construction is booming, but spending on other industrial sites like factories and warehouses has. Chip giant CXMT Corp. unveiled terms for its $9.8 billion Shanghai IPO. IBM shares plunged 25% as customers shifted spending towards AI, with the CEO admitting the company "faltered" as clients raced to buy servers and storage . European defense groups are planning an interceptor system to destroy missiles in space, drawing on lessons from the war in Ukraine.

Corporate Dealmaking and Philanthropic Shifts

Uber and Delivery Hero are in advanced talks over a potential takeover, with Delivery Hero confirming the stage of negotiations. Buyout firm Francisco Partners is nearing a $1.3 billion deal to acquire a controlling stake in construction software maker Command Alkon Inc. . Warren Buffett has dropped the Gates Foundation from a $6 billion Berkshire donation, shifting his personal charity plans following revelations.

Emerging Markets and Economic Developments

Honduras is looking to buy back bonds and tap global markets for the first time since 2024, joining a borrowing spree in emerging markets. The New York City Council speaker has backed a ban on horse-drawn carriages in Central Park following a fatal accident . The fossil market is booming, with a T. rex fossil selling for $50.1 million. Leonard Abramson, a health care innovator and philanthropist, died at 93.