Weekly Market Commentary

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WEEK OF JUL. 20 THROUGH JUL. 24, 2026

The S&P 500 index shed 0.6% this week amid mixed corporate earnings and continued worries about the US-Iran war.

The S&P 500 ended the week at 7,411.98, posting a second consecutive weekly decline. The index is down 1.2% for the month but up 8.3% for the year.

Pakistan is exploring a path toward a resumption of stalled talks between the US and Iran over ending the war, following a push initiated by China, Reuters reported, citing sources, on Friday. Axios a day earlier said in a report that US President Donald Trump was seriously considering a "massive attack" on Iran but didn't give a deadline for his decision.

Earnings were mixed as Intel (INTC) reported a Q2 beat for adjusted earnings and its strongest revenue growth in 15 years, driven by a 59% surge in the data center and artificial intelligence unit. American Express (AXP) and Verizon Communications (VZ), however, both disappointed with weaker-than-expected Q2 revenue.

The S&P 500's weekly loss came on declines in just three of its 11 sectors.

Communication services had the largest percentage drop, falling 6.2%, followed by a 6.1% decline in consumer discretionary and a 1.4% slip in consumer staples.

Google parent Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) weighed down communication services, falling 7.8%. The European Commission fined the company's Google 890 million euros ($1.04 billion) for violating the Digital Markets Act by self-preferencing in Google Search and anti-steering practices on Google Play.

T-Mobile US (TMUS) was also among the hardest-hit stocks in communication services, falling 6.4%. The company's second-quarter earnings unexpectedly increased year over year, but revenue fell short of market estimates as the wireless network operator's postpaid net account additions declined annually.

Tesla (TSLA) tumbled 17%, marking the largest weekly percentage loss in both the consumer discretionary sector and the overall S&P 500. The electric vehicle manufacturer reported a steeper-than-expected drop in Q2 adjusted earnings per share.

On the upside, the energy sector rose 3.8% on the week, boosted by higher energy prices amid the turmoil in the Middle East. Utilities also rose, climbing 2.5%, followed by gains of more than 1% each in industrials, real estate and materials. Health care, technology and financials also eked out gains.

SLB (SLB) was among the energy sector's top gainers, climbing 11%. The company reported Q2 adjusted earnings per share and revenue above analysts' mean estimates.

Next week's earnings calendar features many large companies including Visa (V), Coca-Cola (KO), Boeing (BA), United Parcel Service (UPS), Microsoft (MSFT), Meta Platforms (META), Procter & Gamble (PG), Apple (AAPL), Amazon.com (AMZN), Mastercard (MA), Exxon Mobil (XOM), AbbVie (ABBV) and Chevron (CVX).

Economic data will include reports on June wholesale and retail inventories, as well as June consumer spending and the June Personal Consumption Expenditures price index. The US Federal Open Market Committee will gather for a two-day meeting that concludes on Wednesday when members will announce a decision on interest rates.

Provided by MT Newswires.