Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Public Markets

US stock futures showed a modest increase, building on recent gains driven by strong corporate earnings and easing inflation concerns. The S&P 500 is on track for a potential fourth consecutive year of annual gains, though some analysts caution about rising risks and Wall Street's current bullish sentiment. The market's momentum is being fueled by robust earnings and cooler inflation readings, pushing equities toward all-time highs. Investors are also showing increased interest in options, with some viewing them as a form of "FOMO Insurance" amid the ongoing market rally. Convenience store stocks have also seen a surge in demand as investors seek more defensive plays amidst concerns about the sustainability of the artificial intelligence boom. Asian stocks were poised to extend gains, following a trend of moderating US inflation and a pullback in oil prices, which reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve might refrain from raising interest rates. The FTSE 100 futures also indicated a rise, mirroring a global stock rally.

Fixed Income and Currencies

Treasury yields saw a rise following weaker-than-expected US retail sales data, which further diminished expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Short-dated Treasuries benefited from this sentiment shift. Concurrently, the dollar fell to its lowest point since May, as the disappointing retail sales figures prompted traders to pare back their expectations for an interest rate increase this year. The Japanese yen, however, edged higher against the dollar amid speculation that the Bank of Japan might consider raising interest rates This movement comes as Japan grapples with the persistent decline of its currency, which has eroded previous gains despite US Treasury intervention. The yen's strength is also seen as potentially beneficial for Japanese trading houses like Marubeni, which favors a stronger yen to leverage its $12 billion investment plan for overseas acquisitions.

Commodities and Energy

U.S. natural gas futures experienced a rise, supported by recovering LNG demand and forecasts for hot weather, even after a slightly bearish storage report. U.S. natural gas futures gained ground. Meanwhile, white sugar futures in London were heading for their third consecutive weekly gain, boosting refining margins as concerns over tightening supplies persist. In metals, copper prices are surging, with the spot price exceeding later-dated futures on the London Metal Exchange, indicating a deepening squeeze on supply. Radiant World has agreed to sell an aluminum stockpile to STG Group, aiming to bring liquidity to the firm. Oil prices edged lower amid mixed signals, with traders monitoring efforts towards a deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, ongoing attacks on tankers and energy infrastructure continue to keep the market on edge. A second supertanker was observed loading at Saudi Arabia's main oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf, suggesting a potential uptick in loadings.

Corporate News and Deals

In the technology sector, investment gains at Alphabet and Amazon highlight the increasingly interconnected fortunes of tech giants, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. The popularity of AI is driving significant investment, with companies pouring millions into quantum computing programs to gain a competitive edge and prepare for future encryption threats. This AI frenzy is also leading to a price war between OpenAI and Anthropic, as Chinese AI rivals gain ground. Reddit shares surged following the announcement of its inclusion in the S&P 500, a move that sent the social networking platform's shares up more than 10%. Carlyle Group and CVC Capital Partners are reportedly exploring a joint takeover of security systems provider Bauwatch. In the aviation sector, Airbus discovered hydraulic system faults on an Air India jet that experienced a mid-flight drop. Meanwhile, BAE Systems was fined $36 million for illegal exports.

Global Markets and Economics

Kenya plans to raise $815 million in a eurobond sale by the end of December to finance its budget deficit and reduce debt costs. Colombia's local corporate bond sales are rebounding following the election of a market-friendly government, which has boosted investor demand for local assets. In Europe, Vestas' share price surge highlights the volatile swings in investor sentiment within the wind power sector. Meanwhile, European equities are matching US market exuberance, reaching record levels. Slovakia's industrial sector is facing a loss of competitiveness due to stagnating productivity and surging labor costs, according to the country's central bank. The UK's financial watchdog has imposed a £489,000 penalty on a financier for false claims made during bids for a bank and a football club.

Regulatory and Legal Developments

The Securities and Exchange Commission has postponed a meeting where new plans for digital assets were expected, adding to setbacks for the cryptocurrency industry. A judge ordered Kalshi to cease offering most of its prediction market contracts in Washington state, with regulators deeming them likely to constitute an illegal gambling operation. In the UK, a financier has been fined and banned over false claims made in bids for a bank and a football club. The US Department of Justice has outlined its priorities for fraud probes, and Polestar is facing a lawsuit from a dealer claiming the automaker "orchestrated" a US ban. Separately, two train derailments occurred in the UK within a 24-hour period, raising safety concerns.