Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: July 24, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Energy Prices Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Crude oil futures as renewed fighting in the Middle East heightened geopolitical risks, prompting Chinese buyers to earlier than usual. Despite attacks on ships by Houthi rebels that have slowed but not stopped Red Sea oil shipments, tankers continued to navigate the gauntlet to maintain Saudi exports. However, some analysts believe the oil-price jump is likely to be short-lived, with Julius Baer suggesting recent escalations were temporary and. Global bond markets, meanwhile, were pummeled by the resurgence in energy prices, delivering losses to investors.

Telecom and Media Companies Face Subscriber Declines

Charter Communications as subscriber numbers for both internet and video services continue to drop. Verizon Communications also saw its revenue tick down, though it, beating expectations for new lucrative customers.

Corporate Earnings Mixed as Demand Shifts

SLB reported higher second-quarter revenue, driven by increased offshore activity and strong demand from its data-center business, which. CATL, the world's largest battery maker due to surging demand for energy-storage systems and resilient EV battery sales, despite a weakening EV market in China. Booz Allen Hamilton, however despite accelerating demand in certain business areas.

US Banks Grapple with Capital Raising and Market Sentiment

US banks are raising regulatory capital at the tightest valuations since the financial crisis, a situation that is. Meanwhile, Bank of America's Sebastian Raedler warned that stock markets are pricing in an overly optimistic scenario, leaving investors.

European Markets See Gains, Driven by Tech and Real Estate

European equity indexes in early trade, with software stocks experiencing a notable bounce. In the real estate sector, French warehouse specialist Argan and Belgian peer WDP agreed to, signaling consolidation in the sector. Zara billionaire Amancio Ortega also, his largest European transaction to date.

US Dollar Strengthens Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

The US dollar is poised for its best week in a month, as investors. Despite a slight dip, the dollar remained elevated due to prospects of Federal Reserve rate hikes, influenced by the surge in energy prices.

Other Notable Market Movements and Corporate News

SAP shares climbed significantly after strong quarterly results reassured investors about the resilience of its cloud business. American Express posted higher sales and profit, benefiting from increased card member spending in the second quarter. Travelers Companies Inc. shares, despite eyeing their best year since 2000, have faced a wave of downgrades as Wall Street anticipates peak gains. Wise Group shares dropped after a US regulator denied its license application due to compliance shortcomings. Volkswagen warned weaker and announced record job cuts, intensifying pressure on its chief executive. Reckitt, the maker of Lysol, plans to, taking a £175 million hit.