Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Tech Giants and AI Investment

Apple Inc. reclaimed its position as the world's most valuable company, surpassing Nvidia Corp. as investors shift focus from hardware supply to consumer execution. The iPhone maker's shares have that has impacted chipmakers, with HSBC upgrading Apple to "buy" on agentic AI and its hardware pipeline. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms Inc. is in talks to lease computing power to AI firm Anthropic in a potential $10 billion deal, underscoring the scarcity of computing power for AI development and potentially creating a new business for Meta. However, a closely watched index of semiconductor stocks, unwinding a significant portion of a rapid memory-led rally as concerns about AI spending weigh on the sector. International Business Machines Corp.'s warning of sales falling short of expectations between AI winners and other tech companies.

Corporate Dealmaking and Financing

Telecom Italia SpA’s board Poste Italiane SpA’s €10.8 billion ($12.4 takeover offer as fair, and is unlikely to seek a higher price. Troubled business services giant Foundever Group has reached an agreement with creditors to reduce its multi-billion dollar debt load, with the company's controlling shareholder injecting funds. BASF SE has invited banks to pitch for roles on an initial public offering of its agrichemical division in Frankfurt, a deal that could be one of the largest listings the bourse has seen in recent years. Anglo American Plc has selected a group led by De Beers’ former boss Gareth Penny as the preferred bidder for its sale of the world’s biggest diamond mining company.

Infrastructure and Public Finance

San Antonio, a rapidly growing U.S. metro area for almost $1 billion to fund an ambitious airport expansion program. Federal courthouses are in need of billions of dollars in repairs due to issues like undrinkable water, leaks, and mold, with judges saying the General Services Administration is an ineffective landlord. In response to a gap in graduate loan options opened by a budget bill, states like Minnesota and Connecticut.

Market Dynamics and Economic Trends

U.S. import prices in June, though less than the revised increase in May. The cost of hedging against dollar swings has sunk to its lowest level this year, indicating traders see little chance of major catalysts disrupting the world's reserve currency. U.S. natural gas futures after recent declines, influenced by a milder weather outlook and soft LNG feedgas flows. Meanwhile, gasoline prices in the U.S. heading toward again during the summer driving season. The Bank of Italy, judging that a positive start to the year will outweigh fallout from the Iran war.

Global and Political Developments

Andy Burnham will become the seventh prime minister in a decade in the UK amidst political upheaval and economic stagnation. Bloomberg reporters will host a live Q&A on Tuesday, July 16, addressing what Burnham's policies mean for UK money and markets. Copper mines and ports in central Chile due to a powerful winter storm, though major mining installations in the north remained unaffected. Elon Musk’s X and music publishers have agreed to dismiss dueling lawsuits, though the reasons remain undisclosed.

Sector-Specific News

The fast-food chain Taco Bell's growth has been hit by a cyclospora outbreak traced to shredded iceberg lettuce, leading to falling visits and sales. Sweetgreen Inc. shares surged on Friday, halting a four-day skid after regulators linked a parasite outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce. Heineken is to generate steam for brewing, utilizing clay bricks that can hold thermal energy for days to reduce emissions. Walmart is further shuffling top executives, with Kieran Shanahan, chief operating officer for Walmart U.S., set to depart.