EasyJet shares plunged nearly 12% following a report that the EU is reviewing airline ownership rules, potentially jeopardizing its proposed takeover by Apollo Global Management. An unnamed EU official cited by Reuters indicated the review aims to prevent foreign control of European carriers. EasyJet had accepted a 5.7 billion pound offer from Apollo.

Regional stock markets showed mixed performance, with Dubai and Qatar declining while Saudi Arabia rose, buoyed by strong banking sector profits. S&P Global Market Intelligence noted increased risks to shipping and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating confrontation between the U.S. and Iran.

Bitcoin saw a slight dip to $65,613 after surpassing $66,000. Despite continued inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, totaling $203.2 million yesterday, analysts suggest this recovery is modest and below the significant outflows seen in May and June.

Banco Santander's second-quarter results were largely in line with expectations, with positive trends in its U.S. and Spanish units. While its Brazil operations showed weaker-than-anticipated pretax profit and worsened asset quality, the bank's confirmation of its 2026 guidance was seen as a key positive, helping to stabilize its shares.