Wrap Oil

• European equity markets recovered from a shaky start on July 20, 2026, with major indices ending the morning session slightly higher. • Oil prices retreated during the session as Iran indicated a willingness to consider mediation proposals. • The shift in sentiment reflects a cautious optimism among investors regarding geopolitical tensions and energy stability.

• Semiconductor stocks experienced a sharp decline this week despite strong financial results from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and high demand for computing infrastructure. • Major companies including Goldman Sachs, Abbott Laboratories, and UnitedHealth Group reported strong earnings, though stock reactions remained uneven. • The market volatility indicates that investors are shifting their focus away from raw growth and toward guidance, profit margins, and overall earnings quality.

• European markets remained volatile on July 13, 2026, with oil prices holding higher as investors focused on escalating tensions between the US and Iran. • Chip stocks surged by 10% while gold prices plunged, a shift driven by a strengthening US dollar that some traders suggest signals a potential regime change. • Concerns are mounting over US fiscal health, as national debt has now exceeded the size of the economy and the Treasury is borrowing $155 billion per month.