Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Oil Prices Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Disruptions

Oil futures for a third straight session, driven by ongoing U.S. and Iran strikes. Goldman Sachs warned that oil could jump to $120 per barrel if the Strait of. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has halted oil shipments to a key Russian terminal following Ukrainian tanker attacks, potentially removing another 1 million barrels a day from the market. The International Energy Agency cautioned about risks to energy supplies from the escalating Iran conflict, noting a lack of room for complacency and tightness in refined products. Saudi tankers have also reversed course after threats from Houthi rebels, adding to concerns for Red Sea shipping.

Tech Stocks Rebound as Investors Await Big Tech Earnings

U.S. stocks rose broadly as chip shares staged a strong recovery, positioning investors for a wave of major technology earnings. Chip stocks, in particular and helped boost indexes, including the Nasdaq. However, concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence have led to downgrades for Adobe Inc. and Salesforce Inc. . Google, meanwhile, released three new Gemini AI models, including one fine-tuned for cybersecurity, intensifying competition with rivals like OpenAI.

Financial Sector Shows Mixed Performance Amid Economic Uncertainty

Capital One Financial Corp. swung to a profit in the second quarter, exceeding analyst expectations as it reduced provisions for bad loans. In the UK, John Healey was appointed the new Chancellor, with the financial industry welcoming the move and hoping for stability from the Treasury's seventh occupant this decade. Oaktree Capital Management sees a $200 billion "distressed moment" approaching for companies with high debt levels as interest rates remain elevated. Pakistan has appointed banks for its global bond and.

Automakers and Airlines Navigate Rising Costs and Consumer Demand

General Motors, reporting second-quarter net income of $1.31 billion on revenue of $48.03 billion, and noting continued strong demand. Alaska Air Group Inc.'s earnings outlook, though the airline continues to grapple with rising fuel prices. Subprime auto dealer America’s Car-Mart Inc. faced near demise after thriving during previous economic downturns by specializing in financing older.

Argentina Receives Credit Rating Boost Amid Economic Reforms

Moody's Ratings, marking the third sovereign upgrade in under three months and validating President Javier Milei’s economic overhaul plan.

Canadian Markets Dip Amid Tariff Threats but Find Support in Gold

Canadian stocks climbed Tuesday despite threats of 50% tariffs on exports from the U.S. President, buoyed by surging gold prices and a rally in tech hardware stocks. Precious metals, including gold and silver, settled higher, benefiting from rising equities and strength in technology shares.

Treasury Yields Rise Ahead of Federal Reserve Meeting

Treasury yields moved higher as Treasurys fell, concluding a day of light U.S. economic data ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate meeting. U.S. yields later hit a two-month high as a surge in oil prices fueled inflation concerns, potentially prompting the Fed to.

SpaceX Poised for Major Share Unlock as IPO Restrictions Lift

SpaceX has set the stage for one of the largest share unlocks in capital markets history, with up to $116 billion in stock becoming eligible for sale next month.

Bitcoin Sees Rally Amid Signs of Regulatory Clarity

Crypto markets are stirring as Bitcoin suggest Washington is nearing a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets.

UK M&A Landscape Shifts as "Bear Hug" Strategy Gains Traction

The UK mergers and acquisitions landscape is evolving, with negotiations increasingly playing out in public, a strategy that some believe is a sensible way to navigate differing views between boards and investors.