Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Energy Markets Brace for Volatility Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Oil futures edged higher in early Asian trade as Iran’s attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz risked a return to high energy prices. U.S. crude approached $80 after President Trump withdrew a plan to charge a 20% fee for protecting ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The back-and-forth voyages through Hormuz have been instrumental, as only a small number of shipowners were willing to risk sending their tankers through the vital waterway. U.S. natural gas futures, however but continued to struggle amid adequate domestic supply.

Inflation Cools, Boosting Stocks and Treasury Yields

Treasury yields on mild U.S. Consumer Price Index data. This cooling inflation, coupled with, with the Nasdaq looking to build on recent gains. The WSJ Dollar Index fell 0.4%, down three of the past four trading days, reflecting the improved inflation outlook. Despite the overall positive market sentiment, IBM stock suffered its worst day on record, showing that not all companies are immune to market pressures.

Immigration Enforcement Under Scrutiny Following Fatal Shootings

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in separate incidents in Maine and Houston, prompting ICE to be ordered to cease most vehicle stops. The shootings of a Colombian immigrant who reportedly had legal status, with Democrats seizing on the incident to highlight her immigration record. Details remained unclear regarding a separate fatal shooting at a gas station in St. Augustine, Florida, where a man was.

Corporate Dealmaking and Sector-Specific Trends Emerge

Uber and Delivery Hero over a potential takeover, with Delivery Hero confirming the discussions but declining to comment on speculation regarding the offer price. Saudi-owned carmaker Lucid has from Alix Partners to help strengthen its operations amid a slump in EV sales. In the basic materials sector, Alcoa for a gallium production project in Australia, a move supported by the governments of Australia, Japan, and the U.S.

Political Developments and Policy Debates Shape Markets and Discourse

The House, though the bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate. Meanwhile, the political debate over the war in Iran has sapped bipartisan support for a defense bill, with Senate Democrats blocking the measure. In a potentially significant shift for the legal industry, federal regulators and the Supreme Court reject the practice of denying credit to disfavored industries, impacting banks' ability to engage in "debunking." The Trump administration is also through subpoenas, marking an end to a previous truce.

Gold and Silver Snap Losing Streaks Amid Broader Market Movements

Comex gold at $4061.10, and silver, with both precious metals snapping a two-session losing streak. This upward movement in gold occurred despite a broader market narrative of cooling inflation and rising stocks. Separately, the WSJ Dollar Index fell 0.35% to 97.15, indicating a weakening U.S. dollar.

Other Notable Developments

Captain Sullenberger, famously known as "Sully,", stating the disease is in its early stages. In New York City, a bill to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park gained support from a key city official following a recent fatal accident. The specialized high schools in New York continue to admit disproportionately few Black and Hispanic students, a pattern that has drawn ongoing criticism.