Public Markets 8 Hours

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

Market Sentiment and Economic Indicators

U.S. stocks leaped 2% as chip stocks rebounded, with the Nasdaq Composite showing strength amid persistent inflation fears. Treasury yields edged higher as investors reacted to U.S. economic indicators and grappled with Federal Reserve uncertainty. Bond investors' inflation angst, with yields remaining elevated as concerns persist about the central bank's inflation containment efforts. Traders are also, flashing concern that the central bank may not successfully rein in price pressures. Treasuries extended their as traders braced for U.S. inflation data that could solidify worries about the Federal Reserve's pace in addressing price growth.

Corporate Earnings and Dealmaking

Microsoft Corp. is on track to record the largest one-day increase in market value in history, with a $490 billion pop in market capitalization. Xerox Holdings Corp. sold tariff refund claims at a discount to raise cash and reduce its debt load, aiming to address significant maturities over the next three years. GE Health Care reported its revenue came in at $5.3 billion in the second quarter, boosted by an 11% increase in total orders. Bristol Myers Squibb raised its outlook for the year after notching higher profit and revenue, driven by its newer treatment portfolio. KKR posted in the second quarter, buoyed by increased management fees, fundraising, and strong asset inflows.

Global Conflicts and Commodity Markets

A global shortage of diesel, exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and reduced Chinese refinery runs, with significant implications for economies and inflation. Crude oil futures after the U.S. launched strikes against Iranian targets overnight. Saudi Arabia’s quarterly fiscal deficit, benefiting from a spike in global oil prices even as the Iran war shrank the economy. Saudi Arabian oil loading from inside the Persian Gulf remained subdued as recent attacks continue to deter shippers from traversing the Strait of Hormuz. Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest carrier, expects the pace of its revenue growth to be cut in half this year due to soaring oil prices triggered by the Iran war.

Technology and AI Developments

Microsoft Corp. is on track to record the largest one-day increase in market value in history, with a $490 billion pop in market capitalization. The footwear maker Crocs raised its sales and profit outlook for the full year, though expectations for the current quarter missed Wall Street targets, leading to a share price decline. Amazon's Zoox, marking a first for a purpose-built autonomous vehicle without pedals or a steering wheel. The dispute over U.S. moves to block robot imports in the intensifying technological and industrial rivalry between Washington and Beijing.

Financial Sector and Investment

Banks are reportedly for an Anthropic data center backed by Google, with Google's guarantees of power and lease obligations expected to aid financing for the 1.6-gigawatt Texas project. Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System from CAAT Pension Plan to build its private equity funds strategy. Xerox Holdings Corp. sold tariff refund claims at a discount to raise cash and reduce its debt load. Data center firm Equinix Inc. is looking to raise at least $3 billion from a sale of U.S. investment-grade bonds. Intercontinental Exchange, the owner of the NYSE, is set to buy the bond platform Market Axess in a $5.7 billion deal.

Automotive and Aerospace

Italy's Leonardo lifted its guidance to expect roughly €28.2 billion in orders this year, up from previous guidance of about €25 billion, driven by strong defense business growth. Ferrari NV, as demand for limited-run models drove higher second-quarter results. Ferrari profits were, with custom services set to account for as much as 20% of revenue. Aston Martin investors were kept in the dark over details of an asset shift, as the carmaker batted away questions regarding a £550 million debt deal. Bombardier logged a slight decline in second-quarter profit, despite strong revenue from aftermarket service growth and soaring demand for its flagship Global 8000 jet, with revenue and backlog jumping.

Retail and Consumer Goods

The footwear maker Crocs raised its sales and profit outlook for the full year, though expectations for the current quarter missed Wall Street targets, leading to a share price decline. Reformation Inc., a sustainable womenswear brand, opened at its IPO price in its trading debut Thursday, after raising $210.9 million. Hershey’s sales, and the company bumped up its guidance for the year. Altria Group had virtually flat revenue and lower profit in the second quarter, as lower sales of its nicotine pouches offset some of the growth in its cigarettes business, with profit falling. Mastercard's sales rose in the second quarter, driven by growth in its payment network.

Currency Markets and International Trade

The Japanese yen jumped to a two-month high versus the dollar, raising speculation that the Japanese government has intervened to prop up the currency. The yen against the U.S. dollar, marking its biggest jump since Japanese officials intervened earlier this year. China threatens retaliation as the U.S. moves to block robot imports, highlighting robotics as the latest battleground in the rivalry between Washington and Beijing. Products from Lesotho, which had endured the highest tariffs from the U.S., can now. Pakistan has negotiated with Iran to secure safe passage for at least one Qatari liquefied natural gas shipment, the latest effort by the South Asian nation to address energy needs amid geopolitical tensions, with Pakistan securing.

Energy and Infrastructure

Banks are reportedly for an Anthropic data center backed by Google, with Google's guarantees of power and lease obligations expected to aid financing for the 1.6-gigawatt Texas project. A global shortage of diesel, exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and reduced Chinese refinery runs. U.S. natural gas futures turned higher as inventories increased by less than expected last week. Valero Energy said its earnings surged in the second quarter, thanks to sturdy fuel demand. Shell's strategy to run refineries at full tilt has helped drive a surge in profits. BP plans to cut 700 jobs, warning of oil 'oversupply' and aiming for a flatter corporate structure with a reduction in 'non-frontline' roles as it cuts jobs.