The US economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, with declines in education, government and retail. Labour force participation also fell, pointing to a smaller share of the population working or actively seeking work.
12:25 PMAl Jazeera46 stories from 10 sources
Weak Jobs Data Recast Markets While Business Risks Broadened
Day’s Recap
Supporting Articles
U.S. stocks moved modestly higher after payroll growth came in below expectations. The weaker labor data reduced fears of further interest-rate increases and supported investor demand for equities.
8:29 AMEconomic Times
Prime Minister Mark Carney is offering concessions to the United States in an effort to prevent 50 percent tariffs on many Canadian goods scheduled for this month. Canada is seeking a comprehensive trade agreement rather than a narrow arrangement limited to individual products.
10:39 AMThe New York Times
SpaceX shares rose sharply after the first restriction on insider share sales expired. The move suggests investors had already anticipated the potential selling pressure.
4:38 PMMarketWatch
SpaceX shares rose for a second consecutive day, bringing them close to reclaiming the company's $135 initial public offering price. They have traded below that level since falling under it last month.
4:29 PMBloomberg Markets
SpaceX shares rose 6% after 900 million shares became eligible to trade following the first post-IPO lockup expiry. Investors remain cautious because additional unlocks could increase supply and trigger further volatility.
3:06 AMEconomic Times
Quarterly results from DraftKings, Flutter Entertainment and other companies provide new information about the performance of prediction-market businesses.
5:38 PMCNBCDraftKings CEO Jason Robins criticized prediction-market wagers tied to executives’ comments during company earnings calls. He said he does not view this use of prediction markets as beneficial.
1:30 PMBloomberg Markets
DraftKings is expanding beyond sports betting by making prediction markets a central part of its national growth plan. Executives say the product can help the company acquire, engage and monetize customers across a broader range of offerings.
11:22 AMPYMNTSUnder Armour lowered its annual sales forecast and now expects revenue to decline at a mid-single-digit rate. The company cited weaker demand across North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
12:40 PMBloomberg MarketsUnder Armour lowered its outlook, forecasting a steeper revenue decline in fiscal 2027 as demand weakens in North America and Asia-Pacific. The company now faces pressure across two major markets rather than a single regional slowdown.
9:07 AMWWDNew Jersey's attorney general alleges that Amazon used its power over delivery partners and drivers to suppress wages, hinder unionization and limit competition. The case centers on monopsony, in which a dominant buyer can exert excessive control over suppliers or workers.
10:30 AMWWD
Airbnb reported second-quarter revenue of $3.61 billion, up 17%, and adjusted earnings per share of $1.37, beating estimates. Strong international travel, expected FIFA World Cup bookings, and broader use of AI tools led the company to raise its full-year 2026 revenue outlook.
3:00 AMEconomic Times12:25 PMAl Jazeera
US labour market sheds jobs in July as labour force participation slumps
Summary
The US economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, with declines in education, government and retail. Labour force participation also fell, pointing to a smaller share of the population working or actively seeking work.
The combination of job losses and weaker participation signals a broader deterioration than the headline
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A shrinking workforce alongside falling employment raises the risk that economic weakness is becoming more persistent.
2 stories · 2 sources
8:29 AMEconomic Times
Dow Jones| Nasdaq | US Stock Market Today | Live: S&P 500 closes at record as weak jobs data cools rate-hike fears
Summary
U.S. stocks moved modestly higher after payroll growth came in below expectations. The weaker labor data reduced fears of further interest-rate increases and supported investor demand for equities.
The market is treating economic weakness as policy relief, but that trade has limits if
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The report reinforces the market's shift from worrying about inflation and rate hikes to worrying about growth.
10:39 AMThe New York Times
Canada Offers U.S. Concessions in Trade Talks but Demands a Comprehensive Deal
Summary
Prime Minister Mark Carney is offering concessions to the United States in an effort to prevent 50 percent tariffs on many Canadian goods scheduled for this month. Canada is seeking a comprehensive trade agreement rather than a narrow arrangement limited to individual products.
The immediate risk is a sharp escalation in tariffs that could disrupt cross-border trade and
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The talks could determine whether North American businesses face a major new tariff shock or retain relatively stable cross-border access.
4:38 PMMarketWatch
SpaceX’s stock just had one of its best days ever — with the first lockup expiration now behind it
Summary
SpaceX shares rose sharply after the first restriction on insider share sales expired. The move suggests investors had already anticipated the potential selling pressure.
The immediate risk from the lockup expiration has passed without triggering a broad selloff, reducing
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The market’s reaction suggests liquidity concerns were priced in, but sustained gains will depend on operating performance rather than the end of the lockup.
4:29 PMBloomberg Markets
SpaceX Nears IPO Price Again After Staging $327 Billion Rally
Summary
SpaceX shares rose for a second consecutive day, bringing them close to reclaiming the company's $135 initial public offering price. They have traded below that level since falling under it last month.
The rebound has nearly restored a key valuation threshold after a sharp reversal. Crossing back
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SpaceX's recovery offers a fresh test of whether investor enthusiasm can support its private-market valuation.
3:06 AMEconomic Times
Market Test: Can SpaceX sustain gains after the share unlock?
Summary
SpaceX shares rose 6% after 900 million shares became eligible to trade following the first post-IPO lockup expiry. Investors remain cautious because additional unlocks could increase supply and trigger further volatility.
The initial unlock did not produce the expected sustained selling pressure, but the rebound does
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SpaceX’s next price moves will depend as much on the flow of newly tradable shares as on business fundamentals.
5:38 PMCNBC
Prediction markets take center stage in latest round of quarterly earnings reports
Summary
Quarterly results from DraftKings, Flutter Entertainment and other companies provide new information about the performance of prediction-market businesses.
The earnings reports are shifting prediction markets from a regulatory and novelty story into an
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Prediction markets are beginning to be judged by earnings power rather than potential alone.
1:30 PMBloomberg Markets
DraftKings CEO Blasts Prediction Bets on Earnings Call Comments
Summary
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins criticized prediction-market wagers tied to executives’ comments during company earnings calls. He said he does not view this use of prediction markets as beneficial.
Robins is drawing a line between event-based wagering and markets that could incentivize traders to
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Prediction markets are moving closer to corporate information flows, creating new regulatory and governance risks.
11:22 AMPYMNTS
DraftKings’ Prediction Markets Push Is Reshaping Its National Growth Strategy
Summary
DraftKings is expanding beyond sports betting by making prediction markets a central part of its national growth plan. Executives say the product can help the company acquire, engage and monetize customers across a broader range of offerings.
Prediction markets give DraftKings a potential national product that is less dependent on the state-by-state
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DraftKings is using prediction markets to pursue national scale while reducing its reliance on fragmented gambling markets.
12:40 PMBloomberg Markets
Under Armour Cuts Sales View on Softer Demand Around the World
Summary
Under Armour lowered its annual sales forecast and now expects revenue to decline at a mid-single-digit rate. The company cited weaker demand across North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
Under Armour’s weaker outlook shows that demand pressure has spread beyond one region and is
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A broad sales slowdown could squeeze Under Armour’s margins and delay any recovery in the athletic-apparel market.
9:07 AMWWD
Under Armour Faces a Challenging Demand Environment Ahead
Summary
Under Armour lowered its outlook, forecasting a steeper revenue decline in fiscal 2027 as demand weakens in North America and Asia-Pacific. The company now faces pressure across two major markets rather than a single regional slowdown.
The revised forecast signals that Under Armour's weakness is broadening and may require deeper discounting,
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A wider revenue contraction points to a longer and more expensive turnaround for Under Armour.
10:30 AMWWD
What Is a Monopsony—and Why Is New Jersey Suing Amazon Over It?
Summary
New Jersey's attorney general alleges that Amazon used its power over delivery partners and drivers to suppress wages, hinder unionization and limit competition. The case centers on monopsony, in which a dominant buyer can exert excessive control over suppliers or workers.
The lawsuit extends scrutiny of Amazon beyond consumer prices to the labor and contractor markets
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The case could expand antitrust enforcement from protecting buyers to policing how dominant companies treat workers and suppliers.
3:00 AMEconomic Times
Airbnb's strong quarter: 5 key takeaways for investors
Summary
Airbnb reported second-quarter revenue of $3.61 billion, up 17%, and adjusted earnings per share of $1.37, beating estimates. Strong international travel, expected FIFA World Cup bookings, and broader use of AI tools led the company to raise its full-year 2026 revenue outlook.
The results show that travel demand remains strong and that Airbnb expects major events and
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Airbnb is raising expectations for future growth, but its valuation will depend on whether demand and AI-driven improvements persist beyond one-off events.
Other Developments
A curated list of other prominent stories from this day.
CarParts.com and CarGurus are using proprietary data to differentiate their automotive platforms. CarParts.com is combining that data with investments in supply chain, distribution, fulfillment and inventory operations.
7:34 PMPYMNTSThe retail sector is confronting conflicting signals as employment declines while stocks and consumer sentiment rise. The article examines the disconnect between labor-market weakness and stronger market and consumer readings.
5:39 PMWWDA lawsuit alleges that Walmart retained voiceprints from shoppers who called the retailer and failed to obtain the consent required under Illinois law. The case challenges the company’s handling of biometric information in customer calls.
5:24 PMWWD
QVC Group emerged from bankruptcy with more than $5 billion less debt, a new $600 million asset-based lending facility and new leadership. The company operates the QVC and HSN live-shopping brands.
5:04 PMPYMNTS
Fitch Ratings downgraded United Wholesale Mortgage's long-term issuer default rating to B+ from BB-. The agency cited sharply higher leverage tied to second-quarter losses and increased borrowings.
3:14 PMHousing Wire
Economist Diane Swonk says July's weak jobs report offers an early look at the economic effects of deportation policies, with both payrolls and the workforce shrinking.
3:07 PMFortune
A judge granted final approval to Batton 1 settlements involving RE/MAX and Keller Williams totaling $28.5 million. Claims must be filed by Aug. 25, 2026.
3:05 PMHousing Wire
A House panel is examining private listing networks as debate grows over homes marketed outside the multiple listing service. Compass points to 4.6% gains, while other studies find that off-MLS homes sell for less.
2:42 PMHousing Wire
Ellington Financial reported $54.4 million in second-quarter 2026 net income attributable to common stockholders. Strong loan credit performance and a 38% increase in reverse-mortgage originations at Longbridge Financial drove the result.
2:41 PMHousing Wire
Burger King has regained its position as the second-largest burger chain in the United States by system-wide sales, moving ahead of Wendy's.
2:19 PMCNBC
A decline in long-term unemployment may not indicate a healthier labor market. Economists say the drop appears partly driven by workers leaving the labor force rather than finding jobs.
1:48 PMCNBC
Several companies, including SpaceX, Coherent, Atlassian, Airbnb and Trade Desk, were among the stocks making notable moves in midday trading. The report reviews the companies drawing investor attention.
1:07 PMCNBC
More retailers using Instacart are eliminating markups on grocery items ordered online, including Grocery Outlet, Strack & Van Til and Super King. Instacart says lower prices can accelerate online grocery adoption as consumers become more price-sensitive.
11:43 AMPYMNTS
Doximity shares surged on investor enthusiasm for its medical AI opportunity, though analysts disagree over whether that opportunity expands the business or threatens its existing medical networking model.
11:36 AMMarketWatchThe Port of Los Angeles is partnering with California on a project involving the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Port CEO Gene Seroka also discussed labor, innovation and supply shocks affecting US trade.
11:22 AMBloomberg Markets
Unemployment among workers ages 20 to 24 has barely improved, reaching 242,000 and marking the highest level for recent graduates since 2016. Economists describe the labor market as unusually turbulent, with younger and less experienced workers facing the greatest pressure.
10:12 AMFortune7:34 PMPYMNTS
CarParts.com and CarGurus Turn Proprietary Data Into Moats
Summary
CarParts.com and CarGurus are using proprietary data to differentiate their automotive platforms. CarParts.com is combining that data with investments in supply chain, distribution, fulfillment and inventory operations.
The competitive shift is from merely aggregating automotive listings or products to controlling the data
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Proprietary data becomes a durable advantage only when it produces better economics than a marketplace built on scale alone.
5:39 PMWWD
Jobs Are Down, But Stocks and Consumer Sentiment Are Up. What Gives?
Summary
The retail sector is confronting conflicting signals as employment declines while stocks and consumer sentiment rise. The article examines the disconnect between labor-market weakness and stronger market and consumer readings.
The decisive issue is that these indicators measure different parts of the economy and can
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Retail forecasts built on sentiment alone risk missing the pressure created by a softer labor market.
5:24 PMWWD
Walmart Is Being Sued For Allegedly Keeping Voiceprints When Shoppers Call
Summary
A lawsuit alleges that Walmart retained voiceprints from shoppers who called the retailer and failed to obtain the consent required under Illinois law. The case challenges the company’s handling of biometric information in customer calls.
The allegation puts Walmart’s call-recording and customer-service systems under scrutiny, with potential exposure under Illinois
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Retailers may face costly legal and compliance risks when routine customer-service recordings create biometric data obligations.
5:04 PMPYMNTS
QVC Group Emerges From Bankruptcy With $600 Million Asset-Backed Facility
Summary
QVC Group emerged from bankruptcy with more than $5 billion less debt, a new $600 million asset-based lending facility and new leadership. The company operates the QVC and HSN live-shopping brands.
The restructuring gives QVC Group immediate balance-sheet relief and liquidity, but it does not resolve
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Bankruptcy has bought QVC Group time, not yet a proven path back to growth.
3:14 PMHousing Wire
UWM downgraded by Fitch after Q2 loss, Oaktree deal
Summary
Fitch Ratings downgraded United Wholesale Mortgage's long-term issuer default rating to B+ from BB-. The agency cited sharply higher leverage tied to second-quarter losses and increased borrowings.
UWM's weaker credit profile reflects a direct deterioration in balance-sheet flexibility, not merely a change
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The downgrade increases scrutiny of UWM's funding costs and financial resilience in a difficult mortgage market.
3:07 PMFortune
The deportation economy is backfiring on American workers, top economist warns
Summary
Economist Diane Swonk says July's weak jobs report offers an early look at the economic effects of deportation policies, with both payrolls and the workforce shrinking.
The central risk is that removing workers reduces labor supply without creating replacement demand or
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A shrinking workforce can make job data look less stable while raising costs and reducing economic output.
3:05 PMHousing Wire
REMAX, Keller Williams win final approval of Batton 1 settlement
Summary
A judge granted final approval to Batton 1 settlements involving RE/MAX and Keller Williams totaling $28.5 million. Claims must be filed by Aug. 25, 2026.
Final approval converts the agreements from proposed resolutions into binding settlements for the participating parties.
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The ruling closes a major procedural step and sets the timetable for claims against the brokerages.
2:42 PMHousing Wire
The off-MLS debate moves to Washington, and agents need a clear script
Summary
A House panel is examining private listing networks as debate grows over homes marketed outside the multiple listing service. Compass points to 4.6% gains, while other studies find that off-MLS homes sell for less.
The policy question now turns on a contested tradeoff between targeted marketing and broad market
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Congressional scrutiny could reshape listing practices and the standards agents use to defend off-MLS sales.
2:41 PMHousing Wire
Longbridge originations jump 38%, propelling Ellington to $54.4M profit
Summary
Ellington Financial reported $54.4 million in second-quarter 2026 net income attributable to common stockholders. Strong loan credit performance and a 38% increase in reverse-mortgage originations at Longbridge Financial drove the result.
Longbridge's production growth has become a major earnings engine for Ellington, alongside favorable credit performance.
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Ellington is converting higher reverse-mortgage volume into substantial profit, increasing the segment's importance to investors and the broader mortgage market.
2:19 PMCNBC
Burger King overtakes Wendy's as the nation's second-largest burger chain
Summary
Burger King has regained its position as the second-largest burger chain in the United States by system-wide sales, moving ahead of Wendy's.
The ranking change reflects a shift in the competitive balance among major burger brands. Burger
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The change shows that even established fast-food leaders can lose ground quickly in a scale-driven industry.
1:48 PMCNBC
Falling long-term unemployment isn't good news, economists say — what it means for jobseekers
Summary
A decline in long-term unemployment may not indicate a healthier labor market. Economists say the drop appears partly driven by workers leaving the labor force rather than finding jobs.
The decisive shift is from unemployment into nonparticipation, which can make headline job figures look
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Jobseekers who stop looking disappear from unemployment statistics but remain economically vulnerable.
1:07 PMCNBC
Stocks making the biggest moves midday: SpaceX, Coherent, Atlassian, Airbnb, Trade Desk & more
Summary
Several companies, including SpaceX, Coherent, Atlassian, Airbnb and Trade Desk, were among the stocks making notable moves in midday trading. The report reviews the companies drawing investor attention.
The breadth of the list suggests that company-specific news, rather than a single market-wide catalyst,
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Midday dispersion shows where investors are repricing individual companies even as broader market sentiment remains strong.
11:43 AMPYMNTS
Instacart Retailers Cut Grocery Delivery Markups to Capture Cash-Strapped Shoppers
Summary
More retailers using Instacart are eliminating markups on grocery items ordered online, including Grocery Outlet, Strack & Van Til and Super King. Instacart says lower prices can accelerate online grocery adoption as consumers become more price-sensitive.
Retailers are accepting less per-order pricing power to remove one of online grocery’s clearest barriers:
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Markup-free delivery could broaden online grocery demand while intensifying the industry’s margin battle.
11:36 AMMarketWatch
Doximity’s stock skyrockets 50% on medical AI excitement. Can the rally last?
Summary
Doximity shares surged on investor enthusiasm for its medical AI opportunity, though analysts disagree over whether that opportunity expands the business or threatens its existing medical networking model.
The rally assumes AI can materially increase Doximity’s value to clinicians and healthcare organizations. That
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Doximity must demonstrate that AI adds revenue instead of shifting value away from its core business.
11:22 AMBloomberg Markets
Port of LA Partners with California for Vincent Thomas Bridge Project
Summary
The Port of Los Angeles is partnering with California on a project involving the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Port CEO Gene Seroka also discussed labor, innovation and supply shocks affecting US trade.
The partnership points to continued public investment in infrastructure at a critical US trade gateway.
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Infrastructure decisions at Los Angeles can affect freight capacity, transportation costs and delivery timing across the US economy.
10:12 AMFortune
Top economists on ‘unexpected turbulence’ in the U.S. jobs market—the plane is coming in low and hitting a rough patch
Summary
Unemployment among workers ages 20 to 24 has barely improved, reaching 242,000 and marking the highest level for recent graduates since 2016. Economists describe the labor market as unusually turbulent, with younger and less experienced workers facing the greatest pressure.
The deterioration among younger workers suggests employers are pulling back first from entry-level hiring, making
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Youth unemployment is an early warning that labor-market weakness is hitting the pipeline of future workers.
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