Market Movers News Stocks Retreat; EURUSD and Gold Up

# Market Movers News: Stocks Retreat; EUR/USD and Gold Up

**Note**: This analysis is generated during the US market session, with US markets actively open. All economic event times are in US Eastern Time (New York time).

## 1. Market-Moving News Summary

### Market-Moving Events Summary

#### Corporate Earnings and Strategic Moves

In the latest earnings reports, Netflix has emerged as a strong performer, reporting a 16% revenue growth in its second quarter, which surpassed analysts’ expectations. This positive result underscores the streaming giant’s ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive market, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the industry. The earnings beat is particularly significant as it reflects Netflix’s successful strategies in content creation and subscriber retention.

On the corporate front, Chevron has completed its acquisition of Hess Corporation, triumphing over Exxon Mobil in a high-stakes dispute over oil assets in Guyana. This acquisition not only enhances Chevron’s portfolio but also positions it strategically in the lucrative South American oil market. The successful conclusion of this deal indicates Chevron’s aggressive expansion strategy and could have implications for market dynamics in the energy sector.

Meanwhile, U.S. airlines, including Delta and United, are facing challenges as they navigate weaker domestic demand and declining fares. This trend highlights the ongoing struggles within the airline industry, which may impact stock performance for these companies as they seek to stabilize their operations amid fluctuating consumer behavior.

#### Market Reactions and Stock Movements

As of the latest trading session, the S&P 500 has reached a fresh record high, reflecting a generally positive market sentiment bolstered by gains in the technology sector. The index’s performance suggests investor confidence, particularly in tech stocks, which have been a driving force behind the market’s upward trajectory. Despite the record highs, the S&P 500 is currently flat, indicating a potential pause as traders reassess market conditions.

In the realm of cryptocurrencies, Ether has taken center stage following Congress’s passage of a historic stablecoin bill, which has generated optimism among investors. Ether ETFs are also on track for a record-setting week, showcasing the growing interest in digital assets and their integration into mainstream financial markets. This development could pave the way for increased institutional investment in cryptocurrencies, further influencing market dynamics.

Additionally, analysts have recommended buying shares in a high-flying battery maker, citing a surge in demand for drones. This recommendation highlights the potential for growth in sectors related to renewable energy and technology, which could attract investor interest and drive stock prices higher.

#### Geopolitical Factors and Tariffs

Recent survey data from the University of Michigan indicates that consumer concerns regarding tariff-induced inflation have diminished, returning to pre-tariff levels. While consumers remain cautious about potential price increases, the easing of inflation fears could have positive implications for consumer spending and overall economic sentiment. This shift may also influence Federal Reserve policy discussions as they consider the broader economic landscape.

In terms of international trade, the European Union is actively pursuing a trade deal with the U.S. ahead of a looming deadline set by President Trump. The urgency surrounding this negotiation reflects the ongoing complexities of U.S.-EU relations and the potential impact on tariffs and trade policies. A successful agreement could alleviate some trade tensions and foster a more favorable environment for cross-border commerce, which would be welcomed by affected industries.

Overall, while the markets are currently experiencing a mix of positive corporate earnings and geopolitical developments, ongoing concerns regarding consumer sentiment and international trade negotiations remain pertinent. As the U.S. session continues, investors are closely monitoring these factors to assess their potential impact on market trends and stock performance.

## 2. High-Importance Economic Events

### 2.1 Today’s Events (2025-07-18)

The following table lists high-importance economic events for today, 2025-07-18, with times in US Eastern Time.

No high-importance economic events scheduled for today, 2025-07-18.

### 2.3 Economic Events Summary

From July 15-17, 2025, key economic events significantly influenced financial markets, particularly during the active US market session.

On July 17, at 5:00 AM ET, the Eurozone’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June was reported at 2.0%, aligning perfectly with expectations. This stability in inflation metrics may provide reassurance to investors regarding the European Central Bank’s monetary policy trajectory.

However, the morning of July 17 saw several surprises in the US economic data released at 8:30 AM ET. Core Retail Sales for June recorded a robust increase of 0.5%, outperforming the forecast of 0.3%. This stronger-than-expected consumer spending suggests resilience in the US economy, potentially influencing Federal Reserve policy discussions.

Initial Jobless Claims also surprised to the downside, coming in at 221K compared to a forecast of 233K, indicating a tighter labor market. Additionally, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index for July reported a significant positive shift to 15.9, well above the anticipated -1.2, suggesting improved manufacturing sentiment.

Retail Sales for June showed a notable increase of 0.6%, significantly surpassing the forecast of 0.1%. This data reinforces the narrative of a robust consumer sector, which could bolster investor confidence.

Overall, these economic indicators point to a stronger-than-expected US economic performance, likely leading to upward pressure on equities and influencing the Federal Reserve’s future policy decisions. The ongoing session

## 3. Performance of Indices, FX, and Commodities

### 3.1 Major US Indices

The following table shows the latest closing price and daily performance of major US indices.

**Note**:
– Prices are in USD.
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

### 3.2 Major Currency Pairs

The following table shows the latest exchange rate and daily performance of major currency pairs.

**Note**:
– Prices are the exchange rate (e.g., EUR/USD = USD per EUR).
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

### 3.3 Major Commodities

The following table shows the latest price and daily performance of major commodities.

**Note**:
– Prices are in USD per unit (e.g., per barrel for Crude Oil, per ounce for Gold).
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.