Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Asian Equities Rise on Ceasefire Hopes and Chip Rebound

Asian stocks broadly advanced Tuesday, with equities rising for the first time in four days as investors returned to chipmakers after a recent selloff. Hopes for a new U.S.-Iran ceasefire bolstered investor appetite for risky assets, while oil prices edged lower amid these developments. However, some regional markets faced headwinds, with Moody's flagging rising risks in Indonesia due to policy uncertainty. South Korean investors slashed leveraged stock positions to the lowest level in three months, as memory-chip losses halted the market's rally.

Global Markets Navigate Inflation, Policy Uncertainty, and Trade Tensions

Global investors are turning cautious on Indian bonds, with slowing debt inflows and renewed foreign selling in stocks straining the rupee. Meanwhile, China is broadening its market rescue efforts with record inflows into a tech ETF, mobilizing state-linked institutions to stem a tech-driven selloff. In Europe, London Stock Exchange plans to launch round-the-clock trading next year, initially offering access to exchange-traded products. The WSJ Dollar Index rose for three consecutive trading days. New Zealand's annual inflation accelerated to its fastest pace in over two years, bolstering the case for more interest-rate hikes.

U.S. Markets Show Mixed Signals Amid Tariffs and Tech Volatility

U.S. stocks edged lower to start the week in cautious trading, though chip shares bounced back from last week's selloff. Washington is set to hit Canada with 50% tariffs on a wide range of goods, accusing its neighbor of unfair practices and potentially reigniting a trade war. The administration will use an untested legal provision for these significant duties on Canadian exports, clashing with a major trading partner. Treasury yields rose to start a quiet week for economic data, as policymakers enter a blackout period ahead of next week's interest-rate decision.

Corporate Dealmaking and Sector-Specific Developments

Icahn Enterprises is selling its auto-service chain Pep Boys to Mavis for $700 million. Steel Dynamics posted a second-quarter profit of $534.1 million, driven by improved steel pricing, and expects strong domestic steel and aluminum consumption through the rest of 2026. Crown Holdings reported higher sales as global beverage can volumes increased 5%. Cracker Barrel raised its guidance after divesting the Maple Street Biscuit brand and a sale-leaseback deal. Oracle could face a $7 billion collateral bill for a Wisconsin data center due to increased power costs, adding to challenges for its AI ambitions amid high spending and debt.

Gold and Other Assets as Inflation Hedges

Gold still offers value as a hedge against large equity-price declines, according to Capital Economics. Gold rose on dip-buying as traders monitored Middle East developments for clues on the energy price impact on inflation. Japanese government bonds fell, tracking overnight price declines in U.S. Treasurys JGBs Fall. Insurers are finding workarounds on risky debt as regulators play whack-a-mole, with state insurance commissioners taking years to clamp down on one kind of structured debt while insurers pile into other risky flavors.

Other Market and Economic Notables

SBI Funds Management is poised for a strong trading debut after investors piled into its $1 billion initial public offering. Australia's stock market has emerged as an unlikely haven from artificial intelligence-driven volatility that has roiled Asian equities. The bankrupt $1.2 billion Oceanwide Plaza project in Los Angeles has been cleared for sale and possible completion.