Oil Slumps 7% as Equities Rise; SAP and Microchip Gain on Earnings and Deal News | MarketReader Minute

Global equity markets rise as easing U.S.-Iran tensions lead to an 8% drop in oil prices, while mixed U.S. durable goods data and positive European business sentiment shape investor outlook.

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Monday, July 27

Noteworthy macro moves today: Oil (WTI) -7.1%. DAX 30 Index (Germany) +1.7%. S&P 500 Index (US) +0.9%. Noteworthy US mega-cap moves today: Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) -3.4%. Broadcom Inc (AVGO) +2.2%. Meta Platforms Inc (META) +1.9%.

Global equity indices are trading higher today, buoyed by easing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have led to a significant drop in oil prices. Brent crude futures fell over 8% following reports that both nations paused military strikes over the weekend, paving the way for potential diplomatic talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

In the U.S., durable goods orders increased by 0.3% month-over-month in June, rebounding from a revised decline of 4% in May but falling short of expectations for a 1.6% rise. This mixed data reflects ongoing challenges within specific sectors such as transportation, which saw a slight decline.

European markets are also responding positively; Germany's Ifo Business Climate Index rose to 86.6 in July, indicating cautious optimism among businesses despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting sentiment and economic conditions.

Notable market moves include the DAX 30 Index in Germany rising by approximately 1.7%, while major U.S. indices like the S&P 500 gained around 0.9%. In contrast, Exxon Mobil Corp saw a decline of about 3.4%, reflecting pressures from falling oil prices.

United States Oil Fund LP (USO) [-7.1%]
Oil prices have fallen sharply today, with WTI crude down significantly to around $83 per barrel. This decline follows President Trump's pause on U.S. airstrikes against Iran, which has raised hopes for renewed diplomatic efforts and reduced risks to global energy supplies. Additionally, Kazakhstan has cut its oil output drastically due to the closure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium export terminal, further impacting market sentiment. As a result, United States Oil Fund LP is trading lower since Friday's close, reflecting the negative sentiment surrounding the crude oil sector. Earlier in the session, USO briefly rebounded from a session high but has since declined, aligning with the broader downward trend in oil prices.

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) [+2.8%]
Asian stocks are experiencing a surge as easing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have led to a significant drop in oil prices, alleviating inflation concerns ahead of key central bank meetings this week. This positive sentiment is contributing to the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF's performance, which is gaining since Friday's close. The top holding, SK Telecom, has also contributed positively, returning 2.17%. The S&P 500 Index's increase of 0.94% further aligns with the upward movement in EWY, reflecting a historical correlation with the broader U.S. market. Despite earlier fluctuations, the ETF remains higher during pre-market hours.

Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) [-2.5%]
Oil prices fell sharply today, with WTI crude down nearly 8%, following a pause in U.S. military strikes on Iran, which has raised hopes for a diplomatic resolution. This easing of tensions has contributed to significant declines in crude oil prices, impacting energy sector ETFs like Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund. The fund is trading lower in pre-market hours, reflecting the downward pressure from its top holdings, including ExxonMobil and Chevron, which reported declines of approximately -2.92% and -2.61%, respectively. Earlier in the session, XLE pulled back from a high of -2.16%, indicating a notable shift from the recent trend of higher closes over the past week.

SAP | +6.1% | +12.1B
Sap Se | Information Technology

SAP shares are sharply higher in pre-market trading, reaching a six-week high of 147.07 EUR. This upward momentum follows Barclays' decision to maintain an Overweight rating on the stock, despite a lowered price target of $242 from $220. Additionally, strong Q2 results have bolstered investor confidence, driven by resilient enterprise demand and accelerating cloud growth. The company reported a 30% increase in developer productivity attributed to AI, which has allowed it to maintain cloud targets amid a hiring freeze. This positive sentiment reflects renewed interest in SAP's stock, particularly as it has recovered significantly from a nearly 40% decline over the past year.

BE | +4.5% | +2.0B
Bloom Energy Corp | Industrials

Bloom Energy Corp is set to report its second-quarter earnings tomorrow, with analysts projecting a significant year-on-year revenue growth of 108%, following a 130% increase last quarter. The company has garnered attention for its strong performance, which included substantial boosts in both revenue and operating income. As investors anticipate favorable results from the upcoming report, sentiment around Bloom Energy appears optimistic, contributing to its price movement today. In pre-market hours, shares are trading higher since Friday's close, reflecting this positive outlook. The Russell 2000 Index's recent increase may also be influencing Bloom Energy's performance, as both exhibit similar market dynamics.

MCHP | +3.8% | +1.6B
Microchip Technology Inc | Information Technology

Microchip Technology Inc has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Hailo, a company specializing in accelerated edge AI processors. This acquisition aims to enhance Microchip's processing portfolio for intelligent edge systems and improve its capabilities in delivering power-efficient AI solutions across various applications, including robotics and smart cameras. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the current quarter, pending customary conditions. This announcement coincides with a notable increase in the stock during pre-market hours, reflecting positive market sentiment. Additionally, the Nasdaq 100 Index's upward movement may provide further context for Microchip's performance, as both are influenced by similar market dynamics.

UAL | +3.7% | +1.5B
United Airlines Holdings Inc | Industrials

Investor interest in United Airlines Holdings Inc has increased following reports that CEO Scott Kirby explored a potential merger with Delta Air Lines last year, despite no formal negotiations occurring. This comes alongside United's strong second-quarter performance, where it raised its earnings outlook and reported adjusted earnings of $1.99 per share. The airline achieved 16% revenue growth and increased its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to a range of $9 to $11, bolstering market sentiment. Additionally, Kirby indicated that four out of eight publicly traded U.S. airlines might face losses in 2026, hinting at a need for capacity rationalization in the industry. United's shares are trading higher in pre-market hours, reflecting this positive momentum and aligning with broader market gains.

TCOM | +4.0% | +1.2B
Trip.com Group Ltd | Consumer Discretionary

Trip.com Group Ltd is implementing rectification measures after accepting an administrative penalty from China's State Administration for Market Regulation. The company has acknowledged a fine of approximately $765 million for abusing its market dominance in online hotel bookings. This decision, reported on July 27, 2026, follows findings of monopolistic practices, including restricting hotel operators' cross-platform operations. Trip.com stated its commitment to enhancing governance and compliance with regulatory requirements. These developments appear to be contributing to the positive market response observed today, with shares advancing in pre-market trading since Friday's close.

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