Live Updates

• Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, vowing that "not a single drop" of oil will pass if U.S. "aggression" continues. • In a separate internal development, Iran's judiciary executed two men convicted of killing four police officers during protests earlier this year. • These escalations occur as the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran expands, potentially turning the Gulf region into a primary front of confrontation.

• On July 20, 2026, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a formal response to remarks made by New York City Mayor Mamdani. • The dispute centers on comments made by Mayor Mamdani regarding an arrest, though specific details of the incident were not elaborated in the update. • This clash highlights the ongoing diplomatic and political tension between local U.S. leadership and the Israeli government.

• On July 19, 2026, market updates highlighted strong performance and growth projections for B2Gold and AtaiBeckley. • B2Gold (TSX:BTO), valued at CA$6.8 billion, is projected to achieve annual earnings growth of approximately 30%, driven by its Fekola, Masbate, and Otjikoto mines. • AtaiBeckley (NASDAQ:ATAI) closed at $7.22, marking a significant 39.7% increase for the week, while its Merger contingent value right (CVR) traded at roughly 19% of its $2.50 potential payout.

• Christopher Nolan's new film, *The Odyssey*, starring Matt Damon, achieved a record-breaking global opening of $257.8 million by its second day. • This performance marks the biggest global opening of Nolan's career, signaling massive commercial success for the production. • The milestone highlights the continued dominance of high-budget cinematic spectacles in the $2.83 trillion global entertainment industry.

• Global stock markets entered a phase of sideways trading on July 18, 2026, characterized by minimal price movement. • This stagnation creates a challenging environment for investors as clear profit signals are currently absent from the market. • Traders are advised to focus on identifying key support and resistance zones while closely tracking economic indicators and market sentiment.

• England and France are facing off in the third-place play-off match of the 2026 World Cup, held in Miami. • The match highlights Harry Kane's struggle to impact major tournament knockout stages, having scored only two goals across four semi-finals and two finals for England. • Analysis suggests Kane's low scoring rate in these high-stakes games is due to England's tactical lack of adventure and failure to utilize their primary attacking threat.

• Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police after conducting an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days at Jantar Mantar. • The hospitalization occurred on medical advice and in compliance with Delhi High Court directions to ensure Wangchuk's health was regularly monitored. • Activist Anna Hazare has urged the Union government to initiate talks with Wangchuk, while the BJP accused the Opposition of attempting to turn the medical emergency into a "political spectacle."

• CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has alleged that Delhi Police are planning a crackdown on protests during the night or early morning hours. • The alleged police action is reportedly intended to suppress the voices of youth protesting alongside activist Sonam Wangchuk. • In response to these threats, Dipke has appealed to the public to join a night vigil at Jantar Mantar to maintain their presence.

• Educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk has been hospitalized and is currently reported as "weak but stable" by Safdarjung Hospital. • The hospitalization follows a Delhi High Court order requiring daily health checks for Wangchuk due to his deteriorating physical condition. • Wangchuk has transitioned from a grassroots innovator to a national figure leading political and environmental movements in Ladakh, as well as Gen Z education reforms.

• DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced plans to pursue voter fraud following a speech by President Donald Trump, who continued to dispute the results of the 2020 election. • Separately, a federal judge in Boston ruled that the Trump administration cannot use an obscure agency priorities clause to implement funding cuts. • The ruling follows a legal challenge by 23 states alleging that the administration used the clause to cut billions of dollars from scientific research, food security, and crime prevention.

• DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin held a news conference on Friday to address the Trump administration's claims regarding U.S. election vulnerabilities following a prime-time speech by the President. • The administration also announced a new policy on Thursday that restores the ability to deny green cards to immigrants who have used certain noncash government benefits. • This move effectively reverses a 2021 Biden administration rule that protected immigrants from being excluded based on their use of most public assistance categories.

• On July 17, 2026, DA Davidson raised its stock price target for Citizens Financial. • The upgrade follows an improved outlook regarding the bank's earnings growth and overall financial performance. • This move signals increased analyst confidence in the company's future potential and stability.

• The Indian stock market experienced a significant rally, with the BSE Sensex surging by more than 900 points. • Simultaneously, the Nifty50 index climbed to trade above the 24,300 level, reflecting strong bullish momentum. • This surge indicates high investor confidence and positive market sentiment across key Indian benchmarks.

• Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk is conducting a hunger strike to demand constitutional safeguards for Ladakh and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule. • The Delhi High Court is currently hearing proceedings related to the protest, focusing on the legalities of the demonstration and the government's response. • The situation is critical as updates are being monitored regarding Wangchuk's deteriorating health and the potential for political escalation.

• President Trump delivered a speech using selectively cited documents to claim that U.S. elections have been compromised for years and that officials suppressed evidence. • The President specifically referenced claims regarding Smartmatic, a company frequently targeted by conspiracy theories following his loss in the 2020 election. • The claims suggest that digital methods exist to alter vote totals in ways that would remain undetected by election authorities.

• TechStock² reports on the financial performance of Arch Capital, noting that its insurance segment contributes approximately 25% of total revenue due to strict underwriting and pricing movements. • The company's return on equity stands at 6.6%, which is slightly below the industry average of 7.4% but indicates a positive upward trend. • Analysts suggest that accelerating digitalization will likely drive an increase in mergers and acquisitions within the sector.

Speculation surrounding tonight’s address has mounted since Trump promised big announcement without being specificTrump to deliver TV speech amid speculation over elections announcementSign up for the Breaking News US emailTrump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, returned from maternity leave Thursday and teased the president’s upcoming address from the White House briefing room.Fielding questions about the substance of the president’s televised address tonight – specifically reports that Trump plans to unveil new claims of interference in the 2020 election, despite the lack of evidence of widespread fraud – Leavitt argued that the president remains focused on the results because “the media has refused to acknowledge that tens of millions of Americans share his concerns about the sanctity of our elections.” Continue reading...

• President Trump is scheduled to deliver a prime-time address on Thursday evening focusing on election security and voting machines. • The speech is expected to further his unsubstantiated claims regarding widespread manipulation and rigging of U.S. elections. • Separately, Senator Tillis has introduced a new condition regarding the Epstein case that could impact the nomination of Mr. Blanche.

• President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the nation this Thursday at 9 p.m. ET, with a primary focus on election issues. • The address is expected to potentially revisit debunked conspiracy theories regarding his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. • Separately, the Trump administration is reviving a rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who utilize public benefits.

• President Trump is scheduled to deliver a primetime address tonight focusing on the integrity of the 2020 election and a commitment to transparency. • Simultaneously, the U.S. is intensifying military strikes on Iran, while the Senate Judiciary Committee continues hearings regarding Todd Blanche's nomination for Attorney General. • During the proceedings, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed reporters on Wednesday that a planned meeting with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein did not occur as expected.

• The S&P 500 declined on Thursday as a downturn in chip stocks pressured the index, despite overall solid corporate earnings. • Swiss engineering firm ABB announced its largest-ever acquisition, purchasing U.K.-based industrial flow control maker Rotork for £4.1 billion ($5.6 billion). • Following the announcement, Rotork's shares surged 66.7% in morning trade, while ABB reported strong second-quarter results with EBITDA rising 20% to $1.93 billion.

• The U.S. has expanded military strikes deep into Iran, while Tehran has responded with attacks on neighboring Gulf states. • In Khuzestan Province, official Valiollah Hayati reported that strikes caused structural damage to homes and shattered windows in the vicinity of Ahvaz. • Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz an "unbreakable red line," signaling a high risk of further escalation in a critical global shipping lane.

• Indian stock markets saw gains with the Sensex rising 200 points and the Nifty climbing above 24,100, driven by strong performances from ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank. • Sectoral trends were mixed, as Nifty Financial Services, Auto, and Bank indices rose by 1.08%, 0.90%, and 0.83% respectively, while Nifty IT dropped 1.51%. • Global sentiment was bolstered by a rebound in semiconductor stocks, highlighted by an 11% surge in South Korea's SK Hynix following a volatile week in US tech.

• Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche and intelligence chief nominee Jay Clayton are facing high-stakes Senate confirmation hearings today. • Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) has stated he remains "uncommitted" regarding Blanche's nomination ahead of the Senate Judiciary Committee testimony. • Simultaneously, Republicans are attempting to pass a third partisan reconciliation package to fund the war with Iran and advance the "Save AMERICA Act" election overhaul bill.

• Brent crude prices eased toward $85 per barrel after President Trump withdrew a proposed 20% transit fee for the Strait of Hormuz. • Asian markets showed mixed results on Wednesday, with Hong Kong leading regional gains while GIFT Nifty hovered around 24,040. • Elevated energy prices remain a significant macroeconomic risk for India, potentially impacting domestic market stability.