U.S. Markets Rise on Cooling Inflation and Strong Earnings

U.S. stock markets finished higher on July 15, 2026, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.62%, the S&P 500 rising 0.38%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by approximately 150 points. The rally was driven by the United States Department of Labor releasing a Producer Price Index report showing a 0.3% decline in wholesale prices, which followed a similarly weak Consumer Price Index report. These figures eased concerns that the Federal Reserve System would aggressively raise interest rates, although some investors still anticipate a hike by October.

Corporate performance provided additional momentum. BlackRock and Morgan Stanley both reported second-quarter profits that exceeded Wall Street expectations, with BlackRock noting a record $15 trillion in assets under management. In the tech sector, Apple shares hit a record closing high of $327.50 after receiving approval to launch generative AI features in China. PayPal shares surged 17.2% following reports of a joint $53 billion takeover bid from Stripe and Advent International, offering $60.50 per share.

International markets also reacted to monetary policy. The Bank of Canada maintained its benchmark overnight interest rate at 2.25%, leading the TSX to open higher and the Canadian dollar to rise slightly. Additional data from Statistics Canada showed a 1.3% increase in manufacturing sales for May, while the Canadian Real Estate Association reported a modest increase in June home sales.