20/07/2026 10:50 - Economia
July 20, 2026 - The global economy is going through a moment of transformation and adjustments. On one hand, tensions in the Middle East are putting pressure on crude oil prices, and on the other, Wall Street is experiencing a natural correction following the Artificial Intelligence boom.
The international scenario has witnessed an unfortunate military escalation that resulted in the death of 2 US military personnel in Jordan and 1 in Iraq. In response, the United States bombed Iranian infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Houthis have blocked the passage to Saudi Arabia and are threatening the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while Iran considers closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Despite this outlook, international diplomacy continues to work actively to restore peace. Qatar and Pakistan, who previously led mediation efforts in June in Switzerland, remain fundamental pillars in resolving the conflict. In the energy markets, a barrel of Brent crude has already surpassed $90, with a risk of it exceeding $100. However, diplomatic efforts generate expectations that prices could stabilize in the short term. To understand the magnitude, the Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which nearly a fifth of the world's oil consumption passes, making its potential closure a critical factor for global supply.
In the financial sphere, the S&P 500 index on Wall Street closed lower, influenced by a wave of sales in stocks linked to Artificial Intelligence. The S&P 500 is a stock market index that measures the stock performance of 500 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States, often considered one of the best representations of the U.S. stock market.
This movement represents a healthy correction after the prolonged tech rally of recent months, providing an opportunity for investors to re-evaluate their portfolios with stronger technical support. The market thus demonstrates its capacity to assimilate both internal macroeconomic data and external geopolitical noise. The long-term perspective remains optimistic, driven by constant innovation and the resilience of the global financial system.
Source: Imago News
Alfredo S. Quiroga
