Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 11:33 PM ET

Public Markets

Asia-Pacific

India's small-cap funds continued to attract robust inflows, comfortably outpacing large caps this year. Indian retail traders lost 916.85 billion rupees ($9.6 billion) trading equity futures and options in the year ended March, showing limited success of a regulatory clampdown. Flows into Indian equity funds moderated in July even as investors continued to pour money into small- and mid-cap strategies. Wipro Ltd.'s exit from India’s Nifty 50 to make way for BSE Ltd. marks a shift from an outsourcing-led boom to one powered by the growing economy.

Japan's Nikkei Stock Average was flat at 66988.82 as gains in financial and energy shares helped offset losses in electronics and pharmaceutical stocks. Sanrio Co. shares tumbled as much as 20%, the most in over 12 years, after first-quarter operating income missed estimates. Rakuten Group Inc. shares sank the most in six months after quarterly operating profit missed estimates. Taiwanese stocks are gaining favor over South Korea’s on steadier earnings prospects as the two AI-bellwether markets look to recover from July’s rout.

Singapore Exchange Ltd. is exploring offering a broader suite of ETFs and stepping up partnerships to bolster its position as Southeast Asia’s key multi-asset exchange. Hong Kong’s main technology stock benchmark is set for a revamp to include more companies in the AI and robotics sectors. European markets are charging ahead, defying doom-laden forecasts that the Iran war would tip the region into stagflation. European defense stocks are set for continued strong growth as the region’s rearmament cycle enters a new stage, according to Barclays and RBC. European indexes were boosted by energy stocks due to a rise in oil prices.

Foreign Exchange

The Singapore dollar weakened against the greenback as investors await U.S. inflation data. Yen traders ramped up options market activity ahead of key US inflation data, turning to derivatives for flexibility amid a lack of consensus. The yen edged closer toward the 160-per-dollar level, raising concerns over Japanese authorities stepping in again. A senior strategist at Bank of New York Mellon is using the price of a katsu curry to get a snapshot of the yen’s weakness. The WSJ Dollar Index ended Tuesday’s session flat. The dollar rose but MUFG Bank said it was at risk of falling due to lack of confidence in how the Fed will respond to the energy-price shock. The yuan’s recent calm run may be nearing an end as September approaches, with strong fall exports expected to lift the currency. The effects of a recent government action on the yen are already fading.

Commodities & Energy

Oil futures rose in early Asian trade, with crude prices remaining volatile amid Middle East developments. Crude oil climbed as traders remained wary about the prospects for a Middle East deal. Oil advanced for a sixth day on skepticism about a deal that would restore energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The US now expects oil supply disruptions stemming from the US-Iran war to reach about 600,000 barrels per day through next year. A key oil supply valve from the Middle East involving shuttle transits through the Strait of Hormuz is continuing to function despite recent attacks. Russia’s crude oil exports tumbled to their lowest since May as a lull in drone strikes allowed refiners to boost runs. The real oil squeeze is happening in refineries, as the Iran war, Ukrainian attacks and China’s fuel export restrictions have taken millions of barrels of refined products off global markets.

Gold edged higher in early Asian trade as investors await U.S. inflation data for cues on the Fed’s policy path. Gold prices were broadly flat ahead of upcoming inflation data. Gold advanced as traders weighed prospects for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while awaiting US inflation data. Gold settled 0.5% higher, up for a third-consecutive session, while silver fell 0.5%. Aluminum extended gains, touching a seven-week high, after a key alumina producer slashed production. U.S. natural gas futures gave back some of the previous day’s gains, as soft LNG demand and comfortable storage levels kept a lid on rallies. Chile lowered its copper production forecast for a second straight quarter as weaker output from some of the country’s biggest mines adds to supply constraints. Copper shipments from Indonesia are suffering delays after the smelter that processes ore from the Grasberg mine was halted due to a boiler leak. European gas prices moved close to Iran war highs, fueled by heatwaves and an expected solar eclipse. Panama Canal fees have hit a record high as El Niño and the Iran war choke shipping.

Fixed Income & Credit

Record short bets against global bonds by trend-chasing investors are lifting the stakes for US inflation reports. A shift in the buyer base of US Treasuries toward value-oriented mutual funds and households has helped propel 30-year yields to multi-decade peaks, according to Barclays. Indonesia’s bond market, the worst performer in Asia, may bounce back as a new central bank chief is expected to support the currency. Bond traders dialed back measures of credit risk associated with Nvidia Corp. after the company said it would limit its exposure in a $500 billion AI financing plan. Blue Owl Capital Inc. sold $750 million of high-grade debt, up from initial discussions of $500 million, after receiving a large amount of investor orders. Intercontinental Exchange Inc. sold $3.75 billion of US investment-grade bonds, less than two weeks after announcing a $6 billion deal to acquire Market Axess Holdings Inc.