Finance

Investors are shifting their focus to corporate financial performance and upcoming monetary policy details later this week. Major big-box and home-improvement retailers, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe's, are scheduled to report quarterly earnings, providing a clear window into consumer health. Additionally, the market is awaiting the release of the Federal Reserve's July meeting minutes on Wednesday for indications regarding future interest rate paths.

Technology and megacap growth shares received a significant boost following a robust future revenue projection from artificial intelligence firm Anthropic ahead of its initial public offering. The optimistic forecast helped ease broader market concerns over stretched valuations and a localized cooling off in other market sectors. Shares of prominent megacaps like Amazon and Alphabet traded marginally higher in reaction to the news.

Energy markets remain sensitive to Middle East supply risks as a 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran reaches its expiration date without a clear resolution. Ship transits through the critical Strait of Hormuz bottleneck have plummeted, driving ongoing volatility and stoking sticky inflation concerns. Consequently, global benchmarks like Brent crude and domestic WTI futures continue to trade at elevated levels.