Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

U.S. Stocks Climb on Tech Strength, Oil Prices Tick Up

U.S. stocks edged higher as gains in megacap technology companies offset weakness in chip stocks, with the Nasdaq Composite seeing a boost from BlackRock’s surge. Major indexes despite several positive earnings reports. Meanwhile, oil futures rose modestly amid uncertainty over the next U.S.-Iran moves, with the U.S. reinstating its Iranian blockade after dropping a plan to charge a 20% fee to cover the cost of protecting ships through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. natural gas futures also posted modest gains for a second straight session, helped by a slight warming in the weather outlook. U.S. commercial crude oil stockpiles last week, a larger withdrawal than the 900,000 barrels analysts had expected.

Corporate Earnings and Sector Performance

Logistics company J.B. Hunt reported higher as revenue grew across most segments, with its largest business segment seeing a 22% increase in revenue and a 10% increase in volume. United Airlines lifted its outlook, stating that adjusted earnings should hit $9 to $11 a share in 2026, raising the low-end of its previous target by $2 a share. The carrier also plans to to take over the middle seat for a price, a move that may save the airline money. In European markets, Athens on Russia to shield Greek shipping company Dynagas, which specializes in transporting cargoes from Moscow’s Arctic LNG. ASML raises forecasts as the AI boom drives chipmaking demand, with shares climbing as the Dutch company strikes a bullish tone on the durability of the AI boom.

Global Economic Developments and Market Trends

China’s economy grew at its slowest pace in years, with economic growth of 4.3% in the second quarter reflecting a broad slump outside of the country’s export-oriented manufacturing. Uber nears a €12.5 billion deal to, with the German food delivery group set to spin off Turkish and some European operations to a different buyer. Sterling found support from speculation over the future U.K. Treasury chief. Silver hit lowest since December 4, 2025, marking its fifth decline in the past seven trading sessions. New SK Hynix ADRs are trading at a premium, indicating a potentially "loopy" memory market.

Political and Regulatory Developments Impacting Markets

U.S. stocks edged higher as gains in megacap technology companies offset weakness in chip stocks. Meanwhile, oil futures rose modestly amid uncertainty over the next U.S.-Iran moves, with the U.S. reinstating its Iranian blockade after dropping a plan to charge a 20% fee to cover the cost of protecting ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military attacked Iranian and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, House Republicans released a budget to unlock $95 billion for the Iran war and the SAVE Act, though the plan faces a rocky path amid Republican divisions. Senators grill Justice on New York Times subpoenas.

Emerging Technologies and Corporate Strategy

OpenAI and Anthropic are over profits, a move that could lead to a "Ben & Jerry’s-style meltdown" without necessarily benefiting humanity. Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines, co-founded by the former OpenAI CTO, has at a $12 billion valuation and draws from Chinese rivals in its debut AI model. Dan Ives and a Trump family-linked securities group have launched an AI bank. Hyundai workers in South Korea are on a partial strike over concerns about their future job prospects due to.

Logistics and Infrastructure Developments

Developers are, with industrial real estate under construction rising 18% in the second quarter, driven by demand from suppliers of data-center equipment. Newark’s air travel system faces potential disruptions as controller staffing is set to drop by about one-fifth by the end of the month at the facility that helps direct aircraft to and from Newark. JPMorgan’s latest defense initiative will allocate $24 million towards a submarine facility and.