Morning Business Report: Stocks rise, oil falls as Trump announces new Iran talks

Stocks rose and oil prices fell as Wall Street kicked off a new month following President Donald Trump's announcement that new talks with Iran would begin Monday afternoon.

(LILAMAX)- Stocks rose and oil prices fell as Wall Street kicked off a new month following President Donald Trump’s announcement that new talks with Iran would begin Monday afternoon.

Trump said he called off a planned attack on Iran and suggested an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be close. He also said his administration would continue pursuing a deal aimed at ending Iran’s nuclear program.

Despite the positive start to the new month, markets ended July on a mixed note. Amazon shares jumped, while Apple fell, as investors weighed rising oil prices and higher bond yields that fueled concerns about inflation.

Meanwhile, a new report suggests the nation’s nursing shortage may be more about working conditions than a lack of qualified workers.

According to Time, research from the University of Pennsylvania found there are enough licensed nurses, but many are choosing not to work at the bedside because hospital conditions have worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new survey also found Gen Z women are leading other age groups in starting new businesses.

The Gusto survey of more than 1,000 entrepreneurs who launched businesses in 2025 found Gen Z women were more likely than older generations to become business owners, even as women accounted for a smaller share of new business founders overall compared with the previous year.

Southwest Airlines is also making changes aimed at improving on-time departures.

The airline will begin boarding most domestic flights five minutes earlier than before, citing an increase in passengers bringing carry-on luggage after checked bag fees were introduced.