Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Global Markets React to Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Data

Gold settled lower by 0.42% to $4044.00, with silver also falling 2.8%, marking a difficult period for precious metals. U.S. crude oil futures gained momentum following the reinstatement of a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, though President Trump withdrew a proposed 20% fee for protecting ships. Commercial crude oil stockpiles in the U.S. posted weekly of 1.7 million barrels, exceeding analysts' expectations. The producer-price index declined 0.3% in June, a shift from May's elevated 0.6% increase. U.S. natural gas futures edged down in early trading due to soft LNG feedgas flows, partially offset by demand for summer cooling. Sterling, meanwhile, found support amid speculation about the next UK Treasury chief.

Corporate Dealmaking and Sector Watch

Uber is nearing a deal valued at €12.5 billion to acquire Delivery Hero, which plans to spin off its Turkish and some European operations to another buyer. Investors in PayPal may not need to rush to exit, as Advent International and Stripe's $53 billion offer is seen as a bargain for the buyers. Brew Dog co-founder James Watt to buy back the beer company, aiming to restore ownership stakes for "equity punks." In the energy sector, Thames Water warned of its future as Britain's next prime minister is reportedly considering state control. Altice International, controlled by billionaire Drahi, is accused of defaulting on €2 billion of debt, with creditors claiming asset transfers breached borrowing terms.

Tech and Automotive Industries Navigate Shifting Landscapes

SpaceX's shares have fallen below their initial public offering price of $135, with the sell-off wiping $1 trillion from the rocket group's valuation. This decline occurred as the Nasdaq composite dropped. Bond yields for SpaceX. Morgan Stanley's wealth management division, contributing to the investment bank shattering forecasts amid the AI boom. ASML raised its forecasts as the AI surge drives demand for chipmaking equipment, with shares climbing on a bullish outlook. SK Hynix's American depositary receipts. In the automotive sector, Chinese automaker BYD is challenging European luxury car brands. Hyundai workers in South Korea are facing the prospect of job losses due to humanoid robots, leading to a partial strike. XPeng aims to produce over 1,000 robots monthly as it plans a global rollout, seeking to transform into a physical AI company with its humanoid robot launch.

Economic Indicators and Consumer Trends

China's economy grew at its slowest pace in years, with 4.3% growth in the second quarter reflecting a broad slump outside of export-oriented manufacturing. High credit card delinquency rates, the highest in 15 years, are not yet reflected in the financial results of major banks. U.S. warehouse construction rose 18% in the second quarter, driven by demand from data-center equipment suppliers. AT&T and Verizon are exploring options beyond family plans to attract long-term customers with new wireless service offerings. Conagra swung to a loss and cut its dividend under a new CEO aiming for a more conservative strategy. Elevance Health amid rate hikes, highlighting pressure on insurers to offset rising costs.

Financial Institutions and Regulatory Scrutiny

JPMorgan, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs are set to tokenize stocks and Treasurys as part of a trial run by trade processor DTCC to convert assets into digital tokens. BNY Mellon after posting a second-quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.45 a share. JPMorgan Chase is investing $24 million in a submarine facility and skilled worker training as part of its defense initiative to support shipbuilding. The EU is reportedly poised to fine Google hundreds of millions of euros, a move that to police digital markets without reigniting tensions with Washington. The UK's biggest pub landlord is under investigation for its treatment of tenants, with a watchdog suspecting rule breaches over "beer ties."

Energy and Utilities Developments

U.S. crude oil stockpiles last week, a larger draw than anticipated. Oil traders are warning that the market may be close to running on empty as the Strait of Hormuz, with stockpiles that previously acted as shock absorbers now dwindling. Lenders and investors are beginning to fund households' adoption of renewable technology as part of the energy transition. The U.S. military launched strikes on Iranian cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Other Notable Market and Economic News

The U.S. Treasury is, a move criticized for potentially using currency for self-celebration. Doing business in a more dangerous world, impacting everything from food to electronics. Major U.S. stock indexes edged higher following a string of positive earnings reports. Elon Musk to Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign for Ohio governor. Twitter, now known as X since its first public tweets.