Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 8:33 AM ET

Equities

European equities are firing on all cylinders as money managers grow confident the rally is durable, with companies in the Stoxx Europe 600 on track to deliver a 22% increase in second-quarter profits that has helped lift the gloom over the Iran war. Blockbuster earnings from the U.S.’s largest companies have also eased worries about AI spending and inflationary pressures, bolstering the stock market's record run. In Asia, the most extreme phase of South Korea's stock-market turmoil may be over after a historic selloff flushed out leveraged positions and regulatory curbs sent trading volumes in some riskier products plummeting. Asian carmakers are cashing in as high petrol prices lift U.S. demand for hybrids, with sales of models from Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota jumping a fifth in July.

Currencies & Fixed Income

Central banks in emerging Asia are finding new ways to support their currencies without dipping into foreign-exchange reserves, as recurring Middle East tensions and the prospect of higher-for-longer U.S. rates pressure local units. A top Iranian official laid out tough demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including a U.S. withdrawal and compensation for war damage, while Tehran claimed a missile struck a UAE tanker. Canada is offering concessions to the U.S. in trade talks but demanding a comprehensive deal, as Prime Minister Mark Carney attempts to prevent 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods scheduled for this month. China’s consumer and factory-gate inflation both cooled more than expected in July, suggesting tepid domestic demand and reflecting extreme weather and declining oil costs.

Energy & Commodities

Cuba, low on oil and facing increased U.S. pressure, is counting on solar power with Chinese help as it turns toward renewable energy to weather the squeeze. Romania can keep its second nuclear reactor at the Cernavoda plant in operation for at least nine more days after explosive works on the Danube increased the river's flow by 4cm. Indonesia, one of the world's biggest coal producers, is battling to keep its lights on as its attempt to contain prices at home has discouraged companies from supplying the local market. Typhoon Dolphin made two landfalls in eastern China after Beijing issued its highest storm alert, canceling more than 1,000 flights and suspending some rail services.

Private Credit & Banking

Highly-indebted companies are increasingly ditching private credit loans for cheaper capital in the bank loan market, a shift underscoring the stark realities of higher-for-longer interest rates. Private-credit managers report liquidity metrics differently, with some using aggressive math to project strength, raising questions about how liquid such funds truly are. Greg Abel, Berkshire Hathaway's chief, finally put Warren Buffett’s cash pile to work, ending more than three years of selling by ploughing a net $20bn into stocks. The UK's biggest DIY investment platform, Hargreaves Lansdown, has ordered staff back to the office three days a week.

Regulation & Policy

Auto insurers didn’t pay out on 45% of liability and medical claims they resolved last year, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis, meaning the risk of nonpayment after a car crash is growing. A new UK law imposing a duty of candour seeks to force public officials to tell the truth, but holding public servants to account is proving harder than expected due to tribal loyalty challenges. Tighter federal mortgage rules will require many condominium associations to set aside more of their budgets into reserve accounts for future repairs, likely raising dues. Turkey’s new cyber law shifts sweeping digital powers to the presidency, raising concern about “absolute digital obedience” among social media and gaming platforms.

Real Assets & Industry

Impatient yacht owners are making marinas a hot new asset class for private equity, as they tick the “dependable cash flow” box with ease and come with plenty of room for improvement. German shipbuilder TKMS has steered to large order wins, with CEO Oliver Burkhard stressing “prudent growth” with a focus on delivery. The CICC has become a dominant financier in Beijing’s drive to compete with the U.S. in the AI tech race, anchoring a listings bonanza. The Trump administration’s proposed changes to the historic site review process will allow it to take a wrecking ball to historic sites across the country, critics say.

Crypto & Tech

Tarek Mansour, co-founder of prediction market Kalshi, isn’t interested in management advice as he aims to provide a “mathematical, objective” view of the world. It was a tough week for crypto, but fans were downing drinks at a Bitcoin bar by Thursday evening. The curious case of Guren “Bobby” Zhou shows the ease with which investors with shady backgrounds can funnel money to the president, as Trump’s crypto project took $100 million from a businessman with red flags. Following the biggest IPO ever, SpaceX’s $300 billion swing in market value put Elon Musk back in grind mode, having to execute on highflying promises made in the lead-up to the offering.

Geopolitics & Defense

The Iran war has depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles, resulting in a significant erosion of firepower that Russia and China are taking note of, analysts say. Israel and the U.S. aren’t just targeting the Lebanese militant group’s weapons — they’re going after Hezbollah’s money in an inside war on the group’s finances. Inspired by Ukraine’s battlefield gains, Taiwan is betting on drones to create a “hellscape” and deter a potential Chinese invasion. Todd Blanche has repeatedly made clear he believes President Trump has a nearly limitless right to control the Justice Department, as senators confirmed him, endorsing a Justice Department under Trump’s sway.