Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

US Equities

U.S. stock futures saw a modest uptick, following a session where the S&P 500 closed at a record high. This optimism was fueled by data indicating a cooling of wholesale inflation, which has bolstered hopes that the Federal Reserve might hold interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting. The S&P 500 finished its trading day higher, as subdued inflation figures eased concerns about interest rates. Similarly, US futures edged higher after subdued inflation data, though oil, Treasury yields, and gold saw declines. Despite the positive sentiment, some market participants are maintaining a cautious stance, with US futures trading lower in early action.

Asian Markets

Asian stocks were poised for gains, extending the positive momentum from the previous session as U.S. inflation data showed signs of moderation. This trend reinforced investor expectations that the Federal Reserve might refrain from further interest rate hikes. Asian stocks were expected to climb, following a broad rally across global markets. Meanwhile, memory chipmakers in Asia saw an uplift, with Sandisk Corp.’s positive outlook boosting confidence in the long-term benefits of the artificial intelligence boom.

European Markets

European equities are experiencing a strong summer, with the FTSE 100 futures indicating a rise. This follows a global rally in stocks, suggesting a broad-based positive sentiment across major markets. European equities are now matching the exuberance seen in US markets.

Commodities

Oil futures pulled back after several days of gains, influenced by conflicting signals including claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz by both the U.S. and Iran, which continued to limit shipping through the critical waterway. Brent crude, however, was forging higher, trading around $88 per barrel. In other commodity news, the price of erbium, a niche rare earth metal, surged due to fears of renewed Chinese export controls, highlighting China's dominance in the production of many essential metals. U.S. natural gas futures retreated after the EIA reported an above-estimate weekly inventory build, extending the storage surplus.

Fixed Income

Traders are scaling back their bets on Federal Reserve rate hikes, influenced by the retreating oil prices that have bolstered optimism regarding the inflation outlook. This shift in sentiment is reflected in the bond market, where bond traders are reducing expectations of further tightening. In the UK, a popular trade in the gilt markets suggests investor confidence in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's commitment to fiscal prudence. Meanwhile, the U.S. 30-year bond yields have climbed to their highest levels since 2001, driven by concerns over mounting public debt and persistent inflation.

Currencies

The yen strengthened against the dollar amid growing speculation that the Bank of Japan might consider raising interest rates This potential policy shift is being closely watched by currency markets. BlackRock's Rick Rieder noted that supporting the yen will take more than just government intervention and will need hawkish signals from the Bank of Japan. In other currency news, the Indian rupee has demonstrated greater stability compared to the Indonesian rupiah and Philippine peso, potentially attracting more foreign investment.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Providence Equity Partners is reportedly in agreement to acquire the UK property valuation service Hometrack. In the energy sector, BP has partnered with XRG for Venezuelan offshore gas development, targeting an estimated 4 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas in the Loran field. Diversified Energy Co. is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Birch Resources, an oil and gas company backed by Elliott Investment Management, for over $1.7 billion.

Emerging Markets

Emerging-market stocks and currencies experienced gains, as a decline in a key U.S. inflation measure bolstered hopes that the Federal Reserve might not need to raise interest rates further. This easing of rate hike concerns has provided a tailwind for emerging markets. African local-currency debt is outperforming its emerging-market peers, driven by high yields and economic reforms that are attracting investor interest in government securities. Vietnam's state investment arm plans to divest from numerous companies aiming to free up capital and increase the supply of tradable shares as the country prepares for its potential FTSE upgrade.

Technology & AI

Artificial intelligence adoption continues to be a significant driver of demand, benefiting companies like Applied Materials, which reported higher profits and revenue. The AI boom is also fueling a wave of debt issuance by tech giants, which is impacting credit markets. Advanced Micro Devices Inc. is set to raise $4.75 billion in its biggest-ever US dollar bond sale, underscoring the substantial capital being deployed to support the AI surge. Chinese tech firms' early earnings reports are providing renewed momentum for hardware stocks, while internet platforms are still grappling with a full recovery in consumer demand.

Corporate News

Aviva reported strong first-half profit growth, though it revised down its full-year expectations for its health business. Jaguar Land Rover's owner saw its shares slip after profits tumbled, with the finance chief describing the current period as "simultaneously both difficult and exciting." In the U.S., Tyson Foods announced plans to close additional beef plants due to a prolonged shortage of cattle, a situation that has led to domestic supplies falling to their lowest level in 75 years. Workday Inc. shares experienced a significant jump following reports that private equity firm Silver Lake is in discussions to acquire the software provider.

Geopolitics & Energy

An overnight drone strike ignited a fire at Russia's Baltic port of Ust-Luga, a critical hub for energy and commodity exports, as Ukraine escalates its campaign against the country's port infrastructure. This incident adds to concerns about the security of energy supply routes. Meanwhile, supertankers are employing longer "going dark" tactics to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategy honed during earlier periods of conflict involving Iran. Middle Eastern crude shipments arriving at U.S. ports are providing some relief to a market strained by wartime demand for American exports.

Other Markets

The prediction market Kalshi has been ordered by a judge to cease offering most of its prediction market contracts in Washington state. Regulators argued that these offerings likely constituted an illegal gambling operation. In the crypto space, the Securities and Exchange Commission has postponed a meeting where new plans for digital assets were expected, marking another setback for the industry as landmark crypto legislation remains stalled in Congress. The Gemini digital-asset platform, led by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, posted another loss, though its revenue saw an increase.

Global Economy

Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto is reportedly backtracking on proposed commodities reform measures amid market pressure. The state-owned agency had previously threatened to overhaul the trade of nickel, thermal coal, and palm oil. A significant El Niño event is anticipated, with potential global economic costs reaching trillions of dollars. Separately, New Zealand's annual immigration figures have reached a 17-month high, indicating a tentative recovery in the sector, though overall numbers remain weak.

Sports & Entertainment

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly nearing a $12.5 billion sale to a group led by Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger. This transaction is expected to reflect the substantial profit potential inherent in major sports franchises. In a separate development, the owner of Stub Hub has seen its profits wiped out due to a World Cup ticket fiasco, leading to a significant drop in its stock price, despite a surge in revenue.