Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

US Equities

US stocks closed mixed for the week, with the S&P 500 logging its third consecutive weekly gain. Investors are betting that the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady in September, providing a boost to the market. However, the S&P 500 pulled back from record highs on Friday following weaker-than-expected retail sales data. The S&P 500 managed to end the week near record levels after a brief rally fueled by slowing inflation and gains in AI-related stocks. Despite the recent upward momentum, some analysts are advising caution, suggesting that investors should hedge their bets as risks are rising.

Market Movers & Shakers

Nvidia has reportedly downsized its planned $250 billion guarantee for OpenAI's data center infrastructure, a significant reduction from its previous commitment. In a separate development, Nvidia also disclosed a $21 billion stake in SpaceX. Meanwhile, Jane Street suffered a substantial $15 billion hit following a meltdown in an AI fund, highlighting the volatility in the technology sector. Berkshire Hathaway, under the guidance of Greg Abel, increased its stakes in Alphabet and Delta Air Lines while reducing its exposure to financial shares during the second quarter.

Commodities and Energy

Oil futures posted weekly gains, with the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz contributing to upward pressure. Despite mixed signals, the U.S. and Iran both asserted control over the waterway. U.S. natural gas futures saw modest gains, supported by recovering LNG demand and strong pipeline exports to Mexico. Near-term heat is expected to keep power-sector demand for natural gas elevated. In precious metals, gold and silver edged higher to close the week, with gold settling up 0.4% and silver rising 0.2%.

Global Markets

European markets were mixed, with technology stocks advancing while miners experienced declines. The yen saw its short bets halved by hedge funds following a joint intervention by the U.S. and Japan, signaling a reduction in negative sentiment. Brazilian assets experienced significant losses this week amid growing anxiety over the upcoming presidential election. In Asia, Asian memory chip stocks climbed, buoyed by a positive outlook from Sandisk Corp., which boosted confidence in the long-term benefits of the artificial intelligence boom.

Fixed Income

Treasury yields rose as weak July retail sales data tempered expectations for further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. The US two-year yield fell for a third consecutive week following the soft data. Bond traders are navigating a complex environment, with fixed-income markets responding more to geopolitical risks and inflation than traditional economic signals. The U.S. government bond market has become a "hedge fund playground," according to some analyses, leading to a "toxic codependency."

Corporate News

MSG Sports has filed to spin off its New York Rangers hockey team into a separate company, distinct from its New York Knicks basketball operations. Hawaiian Electric has warned that power outages caused by approaching severe tropical weather could last for several days. In the shipping industry, Diana Shipping has ended its takeover bid for Genco Shipping & Trading, concluding a nearly year-long battle. The Trump family's crypto venture has received conditional approval for a bank license, a move that has become a political flashpoint.

Economic Indicators

U.S. retail sales experienced their largest drop in over a year in July, signaling a slowdown in consumer spending amid persistent inflation. This data reinforced expectations for the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady. The dollar fell to its lowest level since May following the weak retail sales report, as it diminished prospects for a Fed rate hike.

Geopolitical and Regulatory

The FDA has classified an egg recall as Class I, indicating the highest health risk due to potential salmonella contamination, impacting nearly 20 million eggs. The U.S. Navy's operational hub at Diego Garcia became critical after a base in Bahrain was damaged, a situation linked to attacks by Iran. President Trump dismissed reports of dire conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, stating its deployment was "not nearly long enough."

Technology

Google has enabled its Gemini AI features for K-12 students using its Classroom app, expanding access beyond those aged 18 and older. The AI boom continues to influence corporate strategies, with Amazon and Alphabet's profits reflecting a circular nature of investment gains, where their fortunes are increasingly linked. In a move that could impact the future of search, AI is prompting marketers to reconsider their strategies, while platforms like Reddit aim to maintain their existing structures.

Other Notable News

The mayor's attempt to create a business advisory council has been met with wariness by some business leaders, who fear that joining could be perceived as an endorsement. In other news, a Luigi Mangione case has sparked cultural debate, with some showing sympathy for him and channeling their frustration with the healthcare industry. The U.S. military's efforts to protect Palestinians have been criticized, with Israeli leaders expressing sympathy for settlers. A significant development in the art world saw Italian police recover stolen masterpieces valued at over $10 million.