Steady Markets and Key Economic Developments Mark a Busy Week in Finance

U.S. stock futures showed minimal change at the start of a new month, indicating a steady market outlook. Meanwhile, the White House reaffirmed that recent tariff deadlines, delayed from August 1, are final and will be enforced starting Thursday, with no negotiations expected. Wall Street is experiencing one of its busiest dealmaking weeks since 2021, as bankers and legal experts race to close numerous transactions amid a hot summer for mergers and acquisitions. China is tightening supplies of vital minerals essential for Western defense systems, highlighting Beijing's leverage over the U.S. military supply chain. This week marks a critical period for corporate earnings, with two-thirds of S&P 500 companies reporting second-quarter results. So far, 82% have exceeded profit expectations, according to FactSet. In international trade news, Swiss officials expressed surprise and concern after President Trump imposed a 39% tariff—one of the highest rates globally—citing a soaring trade deficit. This move has put Switzerland into a crossfire of trade tensions. Additionally, President Trump is pushing for a major overhaul of the Labor Statistics Bureau, aiming for more transparent an...