Finance

Corporate financial updates created a sharp split in trading performance among megacap technology giants at the end of July. Amazon shares surged roughly 15% after reporting strong growth in its cloud-computing business, fueling investor optimism regarding artificial intelligence infrastructure returns. Conversely, Apple saw its stock tumble over 7% following a disappointing revenue growth forecast, erasing billions from its market capitalization.

Bond markets experienced significant selling pressure as yields extended their recent climb to conclude the final trading week of July. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note hit 4.743%, marking its highest level since early 2025. Long-term fixed income markets faced a steeper upward move as the 30-year bond yield touched a 19-year high at 5.274% following hawkish dissents from Federal Reserve officials.

Crude oil prices posted their largest monthly expansion since March due to intensifying global conflicts and localized logistics disruptions. U.S. crude benchmarks closed back above $85 per barrel following escalating tension between the United States and Iran. Shifting trade patterns and security threats near crucial shipping channels, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, have heavily constricted supply buffers.