US Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) -0.08 in July; June revised from -0.02 to 0.06.

US Treasury Secretary Bessent announced an unprecedented economic offensive aimed at severing Iran’s links to the global economy and warned countries that continue commercial ties could face US sanctions. The campaign will focus on five Iranian “lifelines”: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. President Trump is pressing foreign leaders to halt economic engagement; affected countries will be given a deadline and, if they do not comply, the Treasury said it will act unilaterally. Bessent gave no implementation timetable or measure details and reiterated earlier threats of “economic wrath,” including secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions, saying no one is beyond US sanctions. Analysts note Iran has endured years of sanctions and it is uncertain whether additional measures will force Tehran to yield on Strait of Hormuz issues.

Verizon (VZ.N) will use GEMINI to manage customer calls and improve customer-service agent efficiency.