Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 11:36 PM ET

Equities

Blockbuster earnings from the largest U.S. companies have eased worries about AI spending and inflation, bolstering the stock market's record run. The Nikkei rose 1.2% in early Tokyo trade, led by electronics and metals stocks, as weak U.S. jobs data diminished prospects for Fed rate hikes. Treasury Wine Estates shares jumped to an eight-month high after the Australian vintner announced a A$558.4 million ($395 million) post-tax writedown to tackle U.S. supply chain problems. Westpac Banking Corp. shares declined as the lender reported a drop in mortgage loan applications, signaling a worsening housing slump.

In Europe, investors are returning to stocks as strong earnings lift the gloom from the Iran war, with Stoxx 600 companies on track for a 22% profit increase in the second quarter. The broader European stock market rally is drawing money managers who see it as durable. Sunrise Energy Metals shares soared after the Australian scandium miner secured as much as $400 million in long-term debt financing from the U.S. Department of War. DatVietVAC Group Holdings is pursuing an IPO in Vietnam, seeking to replicate the success of South Korea's entertainment industry.

China is betting on AI stocks as it races against the U.S., marking a break from Beijing's reliance on subsidies and state funding. The leveraged ETF boom is creating new ways to profit from sudden bursts of volatility in tech stocks. Despite a turbulent month, stock funds are up 10.6% so far in 2026. Asian carmakers are cashing in as high petrol prices lift U.S. demand for hybrids, with sales jumping a fifth in July. Barrick Gold's chairman John Thornton faces investor backlash over his planned overhaul after seizing control from the CEO.

Fixed Income & Credit

JGBs edged lower amid a potentially quicker pace of BOJ rate increases, following the Summary of Opinions from the July 30-31 meeting. Wall Street sees Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sending fresh signals to keep bond yields from spiking higher. The private credit market is under growing strain, with default rates hitting recent highs and internal reviews pointing to tougher times, per a WSJ analysis. Meanwhile, private-credit fund liquidity definitions vary widely, with some managers using aggressive math to project strength. Hungary's central bank renewed support for joining the euro area, saying it would benefit the economy.

Currencies

Asian currencies weakened against the dollar ahead of U.S. CPI data due Wednesday. The Aussie-yen is set to approach a three-decade high as the RBA's hawkish stance bolsters the Australian dollar. Emerging Asia central banks are increasingly finding ways to support currencies without dipping into foreign-exchange reserves, amid Middle East tensions and higher-for-longer rates. India's FX reserves climbed for five straight weeks toward a record, driven by foreign inflows.

Commodities

Oil prices climbed as hopes for a breakthrough on the Strait of Hormuz faded, with Iranian rhetoric hardening and new demands. Oil extended gains as Iran and Oman remained short of a deal, while Houthi militants claimed an attack on a Saudi refinery. Gold held steady, with the July payrolls report encouraging a softer labor-market path that weighs on the dollar. Gold steadied above $4,300 an ounce as a surprise contraction in the U.S. jobs market allayed rate-hike concerns. Australia's wheat crop is rebounding, boosting global supply at a crucial time. Romania extended output at its Cernavoda nuclear reactor by nine days after explosive works on the Danube increased river flow.

Geopolitics & Policy

Iran's demands disrupt President Trump's plan to end the war, as Tehran pushes for a return to the June MOU to leverage the Strait of Hormuz. Israel rejected Trump's 15-point plan to disarm Hamas. Iran named longtime IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, suggesting the old guard is consolidating power. Australia widened orders on Chinese investors in a rare earths mining firm, requiring government approval before selling holdings. Turkey resumed Black Sea ship transits after unexplained delays amid heightened security risks. Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in eastern China, canceling over 1,000 flights and suspending rail services.

Former CIA officials warn that Trump is dismantling U.S. guardrails. Representative Jared Huffman of California, the only self-declared “humanist” in Congress, warns that the separation of church and state is in grave danger. Turkey's cyber law shifts sweeping powers to the presidency, raising concerns about “absolute digital obedience” among social media platforms.

Sectors & Companies

U.S. consumer brands are seeing overseas sales outpace domestic growth, with chicken, soap, and snacks selling better abroad. Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled fresh jalapeños over salmonella concerns, distributed across 26 states. Billionaire Leaf Li's brokerage became a central target in Beijing's crackdown on offshore money flows. High-frequency traders are shunning India's stock closing auction due to SEBI short-selling rules, impacting the $5.2 trillion market. German shipbuilder TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard stresses “prudent growth” after large order wins. Marinas are emerging as a hot private-equity asset class, with yacht owners driving dependable cash flow. Big landowners in the Permian Basin are aiming to capitalize on Nimby rebellion against AI projects by pivoting to data centers.

Funds & Investment Flows

Trump's crypto took $100 million from a businessman with red flags, highlighting the ease of funneling money to the president. Kalshi founder Tarek Mansour aims for a “mathematical, objective” view of the world. Auto insurers didn't pay out on 45% of auto liability and medical claims they resolved last year, per a WSJ analysis. Condo associations may raise dues due to tighter Fannie Mae reserve rules requiring larger budgets for future repairs. Medicare Advantage perks are getting scrutiny, with officials denying plans to cover medical marijuana, streaming services, and shopping clubs. Burnham promises to tackle false discounts and subscription traps in a new cost-of-living pledge.