Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

Consumer Goods and Retail

Keurig Dr Pepper reported higher sales in the second quarter and continues its work to separate into two companies. Brands International's profit rose in the second quarter, driven by strong performance at Burger King U.S. Warby Parker swung to a second-quarter profit, aided by a tariff refund that offset costs for its upcoming artificial-intelligence eyewear launch. Kenvue posted higher profit and sales in the second quarter, boosted by increased prices and volumes as it works towards its acquisition by Kimberly-Clark. Coors Beverage experienced a decline in second-quarter sales due to challenges in balancing sluggish customer demand with higher supply costs. Fitness Inc. cut its profit outlook as it increases marketing investments and adjusts pricing to stimulate member sign-ups. Flags Entertainment Corp. shares fell after its second-quarter revenue and attendance missed estimates. Celsius Holdings Inc. shares dropped after its second-quarter sales fell short of expectations, with sales of its namesake brand declining. East African Plc achieved its fastest annual profit growth in four years, despite accelerating inflation in Kenya impacting consumer spending power.

Food and Beverage

Steakhouse's owner observed diners purchasing pricier steaks, indicating a shift in consumer preferences. Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker, plans to achieve $1 billion in savings starting this fiscal year through operational improvements and supply chain efficiencies. producers are preparing to begin crushing cane earlier than usual in the upcoming season to bolster supplies and manage record prices ahead of the festival period. Rising cocoa prices are prompting processors to explore options beyond traditional candy products.

Energy and Commodities

ConocoPhillips reported second-quarter profit, primarily driven by an increase in average oil and gas prices. Lumber prices surged despite a slump in the housing market.

Technology and Telecommunications

SoftBank Group reported a profit beat, with its bottom line bolstered by an increase in the value of its stake in Intel. Japanese technology investment company's profit was also helped by a rally in its chip-stock holdings, as it anticipates further gains from its investments in OpenAI. Deutsche Telekom lifted its full-year buyback program by up to $3.5 billion and increased its guidance for a key metric after posting higher second-quarter revenue. Siemens' shares declined as order growth in its digital industries division missed expectations, with excess customer inventories and weak demand in China delaying a broader recovery. OpenAI stated that Apple's lawsuit regarding trade secrets aims to prevent employees from leaving, as the company prepares to launch its own AI device.

Financials and Insurance

Profit Blackstone Inc.'s publicly traded private credit fund dropped 94% in the second quarter due to a decline in the value of its holdings, although loan performance remained stable. Swiss Re AG's first-half profit exceeded estimates as its re-insurer saw all key business units perform according to targets, and the firm announced further cost-cutting measures. Zurich Insurance AG reported a 13% increase in profit for the first half of 2026 and indicated no material exposure to the impact of extreme heat and ongoing wildfires. Commerzbank AG unveiled a €1.2 billion share buyback as its CEO seeks to demonstrate strong returns amidst potential talks with Italian rival UniCredit SpA. Commerzbank CEO Bettina Orlopp called for constructive dialogue with UniCredit after the Italian bank acquired a near-majority stake in its German competitor. Insurance bank stocks experienced a slide amid fears of a crackdown on taxes in China, specifically a proposed levy on returns from investment-linked insurance policies.

Industrials and Defense

Rheinmetall AG cut its sales forecast for the year after losing a multi-billion euro German naval contract, though its guidance remains above last year's reported figures. an annual sales impact of €300 million from the cancelled program, but overall revenues have grown due to increased defense spending.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Partners Group is in exclusive talks to acquire a majority stake in Aroma-Zone, a French beauty and wellness products company, valuing it at $2.3 billion. received regulatory approval from Britain's antitrust watchdog and culture minister, who decided against escalating the review.

Advertising and Marketing

WPP Plc shares surged the most since its 1995 IPO after the advertising agency reported that its turnaround efforts are gaining momentum. The company stated that revenue less pass-through costs, a closely watched metric, fell less sharply last quarter due to a recovery in its media-buying operations. Improved results at the London-listed advertising group follow a comprehensive review aimed at streamlining its businesses.

Other Markets and Economic Trends

The U.S. is planning to halt exports of key metal waste in an effort to reduce reliance on China and is banning exports of lithium ion battery and tungsten waste. Gold prices held above $4,300 an ounce as optimism grew that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would ease inflationary pressures and reduce expectations for interest rate hikes. Eurozone government bond yields edged higher as investors focused on the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and upcoming U.S. jobs data. Chip stocks fell in both Asia and the U.S. as investor anxiety resurfaced regarding the durability of artificial-intelligence spending. The first weekly expiry for India’s BSE Sensex Index under a new closing-price methodology proceeded with minimal disruption, easing concerns after its initial turbulent debut. Investors are considering whether the "Sell America" trade is making a comeback, as bonds and the dollar are being weighed down by Washington policy decisions. A new report suggests that meeting data center demand primarily with natural gas poses financial risks for utility customers.