Consumer spending slows as PepsiCo, Volkswagen, and technology firms adapt to rising costs, competition, and regulatory pressure.

Congress has passed a major housing affordability bill as U.S. mortgage rates hold near 6.4% and home prices record their steepest annual decline in recent data, highlighting a housing market balancing policy intervention with ongoing affordability pressures.

The Dow Jones closed at a record high after weaker-than-expected June employment data eased concerns over additional Federal Reserve rate hikes, prompting investors to rotate into cyclical sectors.

Oil markets reversed sharply in Q2 2026, with Brent crude posting its worst quarterly performance since 2020 as easing Middle East tensions and rising global supply expectations triggered a major price correction.

Kroger and CMA CGM announced acquisitions worth a combined €2.74 billion, signaling renewed momentum in corporate dealmaking as companies pursue scale, efficiency, and long-term growth.

Global equity markets posted their strongest quarter in years, driven by artificial intelligence optimism, resilient corporate earnings, and easing geopolitical tensions, with major U.S. indices reaching record levels.