Market Summary for July 31 Close:

US stocks rallied, with the Nasdaq gaining roughly 680 points. Microsoft closed up 15.5%, marking its best single-day performance in 18 years. Among the top 20 US stocks by trading volume on July 31, Microsoft shares posted their strongest one-day showing in nearly two decades. Most Chinese ADRs rose on Tuesday, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co up 7.63%, while Li Auto fell 2.25%.

Commodities Overview:

Oil prices declined, copper prices rose, and gold continued its upward trend. European stocks advanced, as strong corporate earnings offset the impact of a sharp decline in Sanofi shares.

Macroeconomic Developments:

The US believes Hamas may sign a disarmament agreement in the coming days, though negotiations could still collapse. Elon Musk plans to invest at least $100 million to support the Republican Party in the midterm elections. Amid high oil prices, the Trump administration reportedly aims to restart several idled refineries. Concerns over war spillover persist as Senate Republicans again block a resolution to end the war against Iran. The Trump administration is considering charging foreign students who wish to stay in the US after graduation a $100,000 fee. Japan may have intervened in the currency market, and the US has also conducted a currency inquiry. UEFA has threatened to boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with a private equity plan. Russia has extended its diesel export ban for one month, potentially worsening global supply tightness. Spain has closed its border crossing with Morocco in Melilla. Iran's military claims to have struck a US air base in Bahrain. Yemen's Houthi rebels denied attacking a vessel in Egypt's Damietta port. The US military stated no American aircraft were destroyed in recent Iranian strikes.

Corporate News:

OpenAI has cut prices by up to 80% to counter rising competition and solidify its market position. Microsoft's market value surged by $450 billion in a single day, a record for any individual stock. Meta Platforms, Inc. disclosed nearly $700 billion in future spending commitments, covering AI data centers and cloud computing. Amazon.com reported a 37% increase in Q2 cloud business revenue, its highest growth rate since 2021. Amazon.com Q2 revenue beat expectations, sending its shares up over 9% in after-hours trading. Apple Q3 profit exceeded forecasts, driven by a 22% year-over-year surge in iPhone sales. Google is providing a guarantee as Anthropic enters final negotiations for a $15 billion data center financing deal in Texas. Rivian automotive revenue grew 23%, and the R2 SUV has begun deliveries. The hedge fund Situational Awareness saw its assets shrink to $10 billion after Citadel intervened. Situational Awareness, which focused on AI investments, suffered significant losses and sold most of its stock portfolio to Citadel. As AI stocks face headwinds, Citadel is reportedly buying heavily into a fund managed by a former OpenAI researcher. Goldman Sachs Asset Management is launching an AI investment platform. The parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, Intercontinental Exchange, has agreed to acquire MarketAxess for approximately $6 billion.

Analysis and Commentary:

IMF Managing Director warned that the risk of a recession triggered by an oil shock persists. White House Trade Advisor Navarro stated that the Federal Reserve should consider cutting interest rates if market trends continue. White House National Economic Council Director Hassett said the US may extend measures to lower oil prices. The Bank of England voted 6-3 to keep interest rates unchanged, with Governor Bailey downplaying the prospect of further rate hikes. US mortgage rates rose to a one-year high, with the Iran conflict exacerbating inflation concerns. The sharp rise in the yen has sparked speculation of another Japanese intervention, with analysts calling it a "smart move" to act in line with market trends. Following the Federal Reserve's decision, the first batch of data was released, and long-term Treasury yields held onto most of their gains. In the US bond market, Treasuries were mixed, with the yield curve steepening further. UK bonds surged as the Bank of England Governor delivered a dovish statement.