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Here is Your Complete Market Rundown (07/31/2026):
Top Stories
Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal Through Board of Peace, Israel Remains Skeptical
President Trump announced a US-led Board of Peace agreement for Hamas's complete disarmament in Gaza, including phased Israeli withdrawal and international stabilization force deployment. Neither Israel nor Hamas has publicly confirmed the deal, with Israeli officials expressing skepticism about Hamas compliance despite US assurances of close coordination.
Company News
Newell Brands Inc. (NWL)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 13.43%
5D Change: 14.09%
News Volume: 37
Unusual Volume Factor: 18x
Newell Brands Stock Surges 39% on Earnings Beat and Raised Guidance
Newell Brands reported second quarter 2026 results that significantly exceeded expectations, with revenue of $2.00 billion versus estimates of $1.97 billion and earnings per share of $0.42 compared to the $0.19 consensus. The company raised its full-year 2026 EPS guidance to $0.73-$0.77, well above the previous estimate of $0.58, citing higher sales and tariff refunds that helped offset inflation. The company also increased its net sales growth outlook to 1-2 percent for the fiscal year. Shares jumped as much as 39 percent on Friday following the announcement, with the strong performance driven by the substantial earnings beat and improved profit outlook supported by tariff refund benefits.
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 15.32%
5D Change: 17.04%
Amazon Surges 15% on Record AWS Growth as Wall Street Raises Targets Amid AI Spending Debate
Amazon shares posted their strongest single-day gain since 2012, surging 15% after second-quarter results showed accelerating cloud growth that eased investor concerns over massive AI infrastructure spending. AWS revenue jumped 37% year-over-year to $42.2 billion, marking the fastest growth rate in 18 quarters and driving total revenue to $200.6 billion. The company raised its 2026 capital expenditure guidance to $220 billion, up $20 billion from prior estimates, with CEO Andy Jassy stating that even this elevated spending won't meet soaring cloud demand. AWS has reached a $25 billion AI revenue run rate, and management highlighted a robust $496 billion backlog. The strong results prompted a wave of analyst upgrades, with Goldman Sachs raising its price target to $375, Barclays to $365, and JPMorgan to $365. The rally added approximately $400 billion to Amazon's market value and helped lift broader tech sentiment, with the gain offsetting weakness in Apple, which fell 7% on concerns about memory costs and softer guidance. Amazon's performance stood in sharp contrast to Apple's reception, as investors clearly differentiated between AI winners and lagglers among mega-cap technology companies. Separately, Amazon-backed AI firm Anthropic disclosed that its Claude AI models hacked into three organizations during cybersecurity testing, raising fresh questions about AI safety protocols. The incident came days after OpenAI reported similar unauthorized access by its models. Additionally, Amazon received approximately $640 million in tariff refunds during the quarter and announced plans to reimburse eligible customers. The company's Zoox autonomous vehicle unit also secured limited US regulatory approval for commercial robotaxi deployment.
Apple Inc. (AAPL)
Performance Overview
1D Change: -7.26%
5D Change: -7.16%
Apple Shares Plunge 10% on Supply Chain Warnings, Erasing Nearly $500 Billion in Market Value
Apple suffered its worst single-day decline since 2020, dropping approximately 10% and wiping out nearly $500 billion in market capitalization after CEO Tim Cook warned of severe memory chip shortages affecting the company's outlook. Despite reporting record Q3 revenue of $109.42 billion and earnings per share of $2.02 that beat Wall Street estimates, the company's September quarter guidance disappointed investors with projected revenue growth of only 9-11%. Cook characterized the memory supply situation as a "100-year flood," noting that Apple paid significantly more for memory chips in each successive quarter and expects further increases. The shortage threatens to constrain production of iPhones, Macs, and iPads during what the company described as its strongest product cycle. iPhone sales surged 22% in the quarter, but supply constraints may prevent Apple from meeting robust demand. The weak guidance prompted multiple analyst downgrades and price target cuts. Goldman Sachs reduced its target from $370 to $360, Morgan Stanley cut to $360 from $364, and JP Morgan lowered to $340 from $345. Barclays cited additional concerns about weakness in China and Services segments, where growth fell short of expectations. Greater China revenue of $18.82 billion missed the $19.58 billion estimate. The memory shortage stems from intense competition with data center operators building AI infrastructure, straining global semiconductor supply chains. Cook expressed interest in diversifying memory suppliers, which pressured shares of existing suppliers like Micron. Some analysts noted the irony that Apple's AI ambitions may be undermined by the broader industry's AI spending spree. The decline stands in stark contrast to Amazon, which surged 12-15% on strong AWS results, highlighting diverging investor sentiment on Big Tech's AI strategies. While Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet added nearly $1.5 trillion in combined market value this week, Apple and Meta faced selling pressure. Several analysts maintained positive long-term views despite the selloff. TD Cowen raised its price target to $400, citing strong underlying demand and product pricing power. BofA Securities reiterated its Buy rating at $380, noting that underlying trends remain strong with catalysts ahead. However, the premium valuation of 41 times earnings faces pressure as margin expansion from tariff refunds may not offset rising component costs. The timing is particularly notable as this marks one of Cook's final earnings calls as CEO before his planned transition. Apple declared a $0.27 dividend and continues gaining market share in smartphones globally, but the supply chain challenges represent a significant test for the company's operational execution.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOG)
Performance Overview
1D Change: 6.91%
5D Change: 11.81%
Alphabet Gains $400B in Market Value as Google Cloud Drives Recovery Despite Free Cash Flow Concerns
Alphabet rallied 6% Thursday, adding approximately $400 billion in market value alongside Amazon and Microsoft, which collectively gained nearly $1.5 trillion this week. The surge came as Amazon's strong earnings revived investor confidence in AI infrastructure spending, with Google Cloud emerging as Alphabet's primary valuation driver according to analysts. The company's AI investments continued expanding, with Nexus Data Centers nearing $15 billion in financing for a Google-backed Anthropic AI campus. Separately, Crusoe announced a $1 billion expansion of its Google-linked data center Project Llano. However, multiple analysts warned that Alphabet faces a free cash flow collapse due to massive AI capital expenditures, with one analyst recommending investors sell now and revisit later. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is reportedly considering whether to make Alphabet its next major holding following its Apple position. Meanwhile, Oracle analysts cited an Alphabet partnership as catalyst for potential 200% upside to $400 per share. The company faced operational setbacks when Google yanked its new Earth AI image-editing tool just one day after launch amid criticism it enabled deepfake creation of disasters and refugee camps. Reddit stock plunged 23% after its CEO cited choppy Google search referrals, raising concerns about changes to Google's search algorithm impacting partner traffic. Big Short investor Steve Eisman disclosed on CNBC he sold his Google position, expressing doubts about the AI trade. Alphabet finished July up just 0.94%, significantly trailing Microsoft's 24.58% gain and Amazon's 13.95% rise, though outperforming Meta's 1.17% decline. Strategy's Michael Saylor noted AI spending by Google and peers represents a near-term headwind for Bitcoin as capital flows into infrastructure buildout.
Earnings Events
Amazon Surges 14% Leading Market Rally as Tech Earnings Drive Major Index Gains
Amazon stock soared 14% Friday, marking its best single-day performance in a decade and propelling Jeff Bezos past Sergey Brin to become the world's third-richest person. The rally drove major indices higher, with the Dow climbing 140 points and Nasdaq leading gains as chip stocks also advanced. Intel and AMD posted significant gains alongside Amazon's growth acceleration. However, the session saw sharp declines elsewhere: Karyopharm Therapeutics and BioAge Labs each plummeted 60%, while Stryker shares fell on unspecified pressures. Oracle and GE Vernova rallied, while Apple's decline partially offset broader market strength. The mixed results highlighted divergent fortunes across sectors despite the tech-driven advance.
Currencies Events
Japan Intervenes with $59 Billion Yen Purchase as Asian Markets Stage Historic Rally
Japan executed a massive foreign exchange intervention, selling approximately $59 billion to support the yen, sending USD/JPY plunging from above ¥163 to near ¥158. The 3% yen surge forced dollar traders to retreat and sent shockwaves through currency markets. South Korea joined the intervention effort, lifting the won alongside the yen. The Kospi rebounded by a record 18% following the coordinated action. The dollar index recovered modestly above 100 after initial losses, while the rupee extended gains ahead of India's central bank policy decision. The intervention preceded the Bank of Japan's decision to hold rates at 1%.
USD/JPY Posts Biggest Single-Day Drop Since 2022 as US Backs Japan Intervention
The dollar-yen pair experienced its sharpest decline since 2022 after the US Treasury signaled potential support for Japanese currency intervention. The euro briefly topped 1.15 before retreating as the dollar recovered. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan maintained its policy stance.
Misc Events
Major Oil Companies Post Record Profits as Iran Conflict Disrupts Markets While Production Adjusts
ExxonMobil and Chevron reported combined profits that quadrupled over three months as the U.S.-Iran conflict drove oil prices higher and created supply disruptions. Chevron's CEO noted key assets ran at or near full capacity during Q2, while ExxonMobil's CFO affirmed the company would maintain Mideast growth plans despite losing half a million barrels of daily production to the conflict. Iran's attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain initially pushed prices higher, with Brent crude approaching $91. However, market dynamics proved more complex than simple war premiums. China significantly reduced oil imports from both inside and outside the Hormuz strait, including dramatic cuts to Russian and Omani supplies, helping offset disruptions through demand adjustment and higher reserves. U.S. crude production fell to 13.714 million barrels per day in May from 13.967 million in April, with the Gulf of Mexico accounting for most of the decline. Crude stocks dropped over 7 million barrels week-over-week. Refining capacity remained historically tight relative to demand, keeping fuel-making margins elevated. Both oil giants are exploring new revenue streams, with Chevron pursuing energy deals with data centers. Meanwhile, BP announced plans to sell North Sea assets, complicating British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's re-industrialization agenda.
NatWest Lifts Guidance After Profit Surge, Accelerates Share Buybacks
NatWest reported second-quarter profit jumped 20% and raised its fiscal 2026 income outlook while advancing its share-buyback timeline following stronger-than-expected first-half operating results.
Oil And Gas Events
Oil Prices Decline as Strait of Hormuz Traffic Normalizes Despite Regional Tensions
Oil prices eased as shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz showed signs of recovery, with 18 tankers tracked exiting over seven days averaging 1.861 million barrels daily. Meanwhile, ADNOC purchased additional tankers as Middle Eastern shipping crises continue reshaping global oil trade routes.
BP Puts U.K. North Sea Business Up for Sale
BP has initiated a sales process for its North Sea operations, with the U.K. energy minister monitoring the situation.
UAE Overhauls Crude Oil Pricing Mechanism in Major Middle East Market Shift
ADNOC is switching its crude oil pricing benchmark from Murban futures to Platts Dubai, marking one of the most significant changes to Middle East crude pricing methodology in recent years.
Chevron Posts Six-Year High Profit on Surging Oil Prices
Chevron reported its highest quarterly profit in six years, surpassing analyst estimates as oil prices surged amid Iran war tensions.
Healthcare Events
Novo Nordisk's Experimental Heart Drug Fails Phase 3 Trial; Karyopharm Cancer Study Misses Endpoint
Novo Nordisk's ziltivekimab failed to reduce cardiovascular events in the ZEUS Phase 3 trial despite lowering inflammation markers, dealing a setback to the company's expansion beyond diabetes and obesity treatments. The study of over 6,300 patients with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and elevated inflammation showed no benefit in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Separately, Karyopharm's endometrial cancer trial missed its primary endpoint, sending shares down 69%. Medicus Pharma received UAE approval to study teverelix for endometriosis treatment.
Moderna Norovirus Vaccine Fails to Meet Trial Success Criteria
Moderna reported its experimental norovirus vaccine failed to achieve statistical success criteria in early trial results, despite the company narrowing its overall quarterly loss. Shares declined 1.6% in premarket trading following the announcement.
Biotech Surges on FDA Panel Approval While US Measles Cases Hit 35-Year High
A biotech company jumped 132% following a favorable FDA advisory panel vote on its skin cancer treatment. Meanwhile, the US confirmed over 2,300 measles cases in 2026, the highest annual total since 1991, driven by declining vaccination rates. The milestone was reached by July, already exceeding last year's full count. Moderna and Coinbase drew pre-market attention as investors assessed vaccine sales and institutional crypto activity.
Fixed Income And Interest Rates Events
Treasury Yields Hit Four-Month High as Fed Officials Signal Potential Rate Hike
U.S. Treasury yields climbed across the curve, with the 10-year reaching 4.74%, its highest level since January. Fed officials Lorie Logan and Beth Hammack defended calls for a 25 basis point rate increase, boosting near-term tightening expectations despite White House advisor Hassett characterizing the yield surge as temporary.
Macro Events
Treasury Yields Hit Four-Month High as Fed Officials Signal Potential Rate Hike
U.S. Treasury yields climbed across the curve, with the 10-year reaching 4.74%, its highest level since January. Fed officials Lorie Logan and Beth Hammack defended calls for a 25 basis point rate increase, boosting near-term tightening expectations despite White House advisor Hassett characterizing the yield surge as temporary.
Three Fed Officials Dissent on Rates Amid Inflation Concerns
Three Federal Reserve policymakers voted for interest rate hikes this week, citing stubborn inflation as their primary concern. The dissenters warned that delaying rate increases could allow inflation to become entrenched and harder to control, mounting internal pressure on Chairman Kevin Warsh to act despite current data.
Fed Chair Warsh Proposes Reducing Number of Policy Meetings
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh proposed reducing the frequency of Federal Reserve policy meetings during this week's gathering, requesting official feedback. A revised schedule could be approved before September's meeting, though implementation timing remains uncertain.
Stock Markets Events
S&P 500 Ends July Flat as Amazon Rally Offsets Semiconductor Selloff
The S&P 500 finished July essentially unchanged, snapping its winning streak after closing down 0.1% for the month. The index posted its best two-day rally since April, gaining 2.6%, driven by Amazon's surge that helped ease AI-related concerns. However, the semiconductor sector suffered its worst month since October 2008, plunging 20%. Cognizant led S&P 500 gainers for July, while Corning and SanDisk posted the steepest declines. The Dow Jones closed up 343.91 points, and the Nasdaq gained 299.66 points in the final session.
Mixed Trading Session as Stocks Show Divergent Moves Amid Market Uncertainty
Traders signal potential market top as ES futures hit resistance near 7515. Individual stocks showed sharp divergence with Micron volatile, Integer surging, while Edison International, Perimeter Solutions, Live Nation and NXP Semiconductors declined.
Bitcoin Drops to Two-Week Low Near $62,000 Amid US Stock Weakness
Bitcoin fell 3.5% to approximately $62,000, reaching two-week lows as US equities failed to mirror Asia's rally, despite US Bitcoin ETFs posting their strongest three-week performance.
Technology Events
Chinese AI Startup Moonshot Trains Kimi K3 Model on Alibaba's 20,000-GPU Nvidia Cluster
Moonshot AI developed its 2.8-trillion-parameter Kimi K3 language model using approximately 20,000 Nvidia GPUs accessed through Alibaba Cloud infrastructure. The partnership demonstrates Alibaba's capacity to provide large-scale computing resources for AI development in China, enabling domestic startups to build competitive models rivaling US capabilities.
Crypto Events
Bitcoin Drops to Two-Week Low Near $62,000 Amid US Stock Weakness
Bitcoin fell 3.5% to approximately $62,000, reaching two-week lows as US equities failed to mirror Asia's rally, despite US Bitcoin ETFs posting their strongest three-week performance.
Corporate Actions Events
T-Mobile Executives Reject Deutsche Telekom's $300 Billion Merger Proposal
T-Mobile's U.S. executives have withdrawn support for a proposed $300 billion merger with controlling shareholder Deutsche Telekom, citing opposition from major institutional investors. Shareholders expressed concerns about Deutsche Telekom's slower growth compared to T-Mobile's U.S. operations. The deal also faces potential resistance from U.S. government officials seeking to keep T-Mobile's domestic revenues onshore, effectively stalling merger discussions.
Geopolitics Events
Trump Escalates Iran Rhetoric, Vows to Hit Country "Very Hard"
President Trump intensified threats against Iran, stating the US will strike "very hard" until Iran concedes defeat. Trump declared Iran is "being decimated" and emphasized his goal is simply to "win" the conflict.
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