Today is Thursday, July 16, 2026.

The Early Bird Index today is 87.98.

New to this newsletter? Sign up here

Despite posting good financial earnings results on Wednesday, United Airlines $UAL ( ▲ 0.52% ) fell 2.37% in after-hours trading due to concerns about rising fuel costs.

Financials: United Airlines reported earnings of $1.99 per share in the past quarter and revenue of $17.7 billion. Both were better than expected.

Details: Revenue jumped 16% year-over-year, with the biggest increase in the premium business. Total revenue per available seat mile grew 12%.

Powering the Story: The company faced scrutiny on Wednesday after disclosing that it expects to add $6 billion in fuel expenses in 2026 based on the rising cost of gas. During the past quarter, fuel expenses surged 84%. United’s projected earnings per share for the current quarter were lower than expected because of fuel.

Early Bird’s Nest Egg Gains: Airlines usually manage fuel shocks through a mix of fare increases, capacity discipline, and ancillary revenue, but trying to protect profits could affect demand and market share.

Final Thoughts: The stock was up about 7% this year. Also, United’s higher fuel expenses caused the stocks of competitor airlines to dip in after-hours trading.

^{PRESENTED BY GROUNDFLOOR}

Some investments make promises. Groundfloor Notes have a perfect track record.

Since launching real estate-backed Notes in 2018, Groundfloor has paid investors more than $36.5 million in interest and has never missed a scheduled principal or interest payment. Today, investors can choose the flexible Note that fits their goals: 1-month, 3-month, or the 12-month Signature Note earning 8.5% fixed APY.

It’s easy. Sign up and park your cash for the short term or set yourself up for predictable monthly income, all with higher yields than any savings product out there. Notes offer trusted fixed returns, defined timelines, and diversified real estate-backed security. Choose your term, lock in your rate, and know exactly when your money comes back. Use code NOTES100 for a $100 bonus on your first $1,000 investment.

Notable Earnings Today: Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX), Alcoa (NYSE: AA), Cohen & Steers (NYSE: CNS), F.N.B. (NYSE: FNB), Simmons First National (Nasdaq: SFNC), Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT), Citizens Financial Group (NYSE: CFG), GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE), Independent Bank (Nasdaq: INDB), Insteel Industries (NYSE: IIIN), Intuitive Surgical (Nasdaq: ISRG), New Horizon Aircraft (Nasdaq: HOVR), Prologis (NYSE: PLD), State Street (NYSE: STT),  Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM), US Bancorp (NYSE: USB).

Notable IPOs Today: Csquare, Inc. (NYSE: CSQR), Standard Nuclear, Inc. (NYSE: STDN), QumulusAI, Inc. Common Stock (Nasdaq: QMLS), East West Ave Acquisition Corp. Units (Nasdaq: EWAVU).

Notable Equity Crowdfunding Campaigns Ending Today: Shepards Diner (Honeycomb Credit), Permia Sensing (Crowdcube), Lireka (Crowdcube).

Notable Economic Events Today: Jobless Claims (8:30 a.m. ET), Retail Sales / Core Retail Sales (8:30 a.m. ET), Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (8:30 a.m. ET), Philly Fed Employment (8:30 a.m. ET), Retail Control (8:30 a.m. ET), Pending Home Sales (10:00 a.m. ET), Retail Inventories Excluding Autos (10:00 a.m. ET), Business Inventories (10:00 a.m. ET).

J.B. Hunt Transport Services $JBHT ( ▼ 1.63% ) jumped 7.91% in after-hours trading on Wednesday after reporting good financial earnings results.

Financials: J.B. Hunt reported earnings of $1.91 per share in the past quarter and revenue of $3.5 billion. Both were better than expected.

Details: Revenue for Intermodal jumped 22% while operating income for the segment grew 58%.

Final Thoughts: J.B. Hunt’s stock was already up 40% this year.

AST SpaceMobile $ASTS ( ▼ 3.65% ) plunged 12.49% in after-hours trading on Wednesday after announcing a new proposed offering of $1 billion in convertible notes, which may dilute shares and signal cash flow issues.

Final Thoughts: The stock was already down over 20% this year.

AI Ambitions: Apple Could Buy an AI Chip Company. Its Hot Stock Just Set a Fresh Record High (Investopedia)

Back Down to Earth: SpaceX stock sinks below $135 IPO price for the first time (CNBC)

Bullish Price Action: Bitcoin hits $65.5K as more surprise US inflation data sparks three-week BTC price high (Cointelegraph)

Hyper-Partnership: Public Hyperliquid treasury firm Hyperion enters into new 500k HYPE bond agreement with Skew (The Block)

Short Lived: Wholesale inflation improved as energy prices fell last month — but relief may be temporary (CNN)

Forward to a friend and tell them to sign up here.

Pick winning stocks: Upgrade to Early Bird Prime.

Become a smarter investor: Get Early Bird Exclusives

Want more investing tips? Listen to the podcast.

Show Your Support: Buy Me a Coffee.

Questions or comments? Hit reply to reach out.

_{The contents of Early Bird are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute trade or investment recommendations, and they are not financial or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult licensed professionals for personalized guidance regarding their financial or legal situations.}