Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Energy Markets and Reserves

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve has hit its lowest levels since 1983, a situation that could impact the nation's ability to buffer oil shocks. Meanwhile, Costco's gas stations that the retailer is now planning to build stand-alone fueling locations.

Corporate and Deal Activity

Telecom Italia has backed a takeover bid from Poste Italiane, a move that would give the state-controlled postal service full control of the telecommunications group. In the U.S., Lego that incorporate motion sensors, lights, and sound, signaling a digital evolution for the classic building toy.

Financial Market Dynamics

Profits from Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) are vanishing, leading to significant infighting among investors as the once lucrative fixed-income products deteriorate. Traders are increasingly Elon Musk's SpaceX, with shares of the rocket and AI company slipping below their initial public offering price for the first time. The broader market continues to be.

Geopolitical and Regulatory Developments

Overnight strikes damaged infrastructure in Iran's Hormozgan Province, reportedly impacting a tunnel and three bridges. In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy may fire Armed Forces commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi amid ongoing military turmoil. The Department of Justice is that their leaders must sit for depositions regarding agreements reached over a year ago with the Trump administration.

Environmental and Health Concerns

Wildfire smoke is expected to shift across the U.S. and Canada, with air quality conditions varying over the weekend. In Canada, a significant portion of forest fires are considered impossible to fight due to their remote locations and lack of road access. Taylor Farms has to 27 states due to a cyclospora outbreak.