Public Markets 24 Hours

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Equities

U.S. stocks closed mixed, with the S&P 500 logging its third consecutive weekly gain, supported by renewed bets that the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady in September. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a slight dip, while the Nasdaq Composite edged higher. Weak retail sales data tempered enthusiasm about the artificial-intelligence boom that has driven major indexes to record highs. U.S. stocks fell. The S&P 500 logs third consecutive weekly gain. The AI boom continues to influence market trends.

Commodities & Emerging Markets

Oil futures ended the week higher as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz persisted. U.S. natural gas futures saw modest gains, driven by recovering LNG demand and strong pipeline exports to Mexico. In precious metals, gold and silver inched higher, closing the week with gains. Brazil's assets experienced significant losses amid growing anxiety over the upcoming presidential election, with Lula's lead over his challenger narrowing. Brazil markets tumble. White sugar futures in London rose for a third consecutive week.

Currencies & Bonds

The dollar fell to its lowest level since May after an unexpectedly weak report on U.S. retail sales diminished expectations for a Federal Reserve interest-rate hike. The currency's decline was reinforced by data suggesting a Fed rate hold rather than a hike next month. Meanwhile, hedge funds have halved their short bets on the Japanese yen since the joint intervention by the U.S. and Japan, signaling a reduction in negative sentiment. U.S. Treasury yields also fell as soft July retail sales data further eroded expectations for Fed rate hikes. Treasury yields rise. US natural gas futures edged up.

Corporate & Technology

Nvidia has downsized its plans for a $250 billion guarantee of an OpenAI data center, raising concerns about the chipmaker's risk exposure. In the AI space, Amazon and Alphabet's profits reveal the circular nature of the AI boom, with investment gains highlighting the intertwined fortunes of technology companies. OpenAI faces an internal shakeup ahead of a potential IPO, with executive exits and safety team changes unsettling staff. Bally's Corp. warned of "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue as a going concern, as it seeks fresh liquidity.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

Johannesburg's water crisis is hitting businesses hard, with companies resorting to filling potholes and trucking in water themselves as the city faces severe shortages. In the U.S., prospectors are staking mining claims on land recently cut from Utah's Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, eyeing potential mineral deposits. Hawaiian Electric warned that any power outages caused by approaching severe tropical weather could last for days.

Sports & Entertainment

The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers at a record $12.5 billion underscores a pattern of skyrocketing prices in sports team valuations. Jeff Bezos has made his first known investment into a sports team by acquiring a stake in Liverpool Football Club. MSG Sports has filed to spin off the New York Rangers from its New York Knicks operations, creating a separate company to manage the hockey team's business. Disney's ESPN was identified as a significant funding source for the company's acquisitions and theme parks.

International Affairs & Geopolitics

China protested Japan's prime minister and defense minister's actions related to the Yasukuni shrine. Meanwhile, Asian allies are increasingly questioning the U.S.'s commitment to their defense amid a changing geopolitical landscape, with some wondering whether the United States would or could defend them in a conflict. Europe is seeking a role in eventual Russia-Ukraine peace talks, with diplomats working on a format for future negotiations. The Taliban are celebrating five years in power in Afghanistan, but threats are beginning to emerge, challenging their veneer of stability. Taliban's 5-year rule.

Labor & Economics

Worker pay is once again failing to keep pace with inflation, a trend that saw wages lag prices significantly in 2021-22 and is now repeating. The U.S. July retail sales data showed the biggest drop in more than a year, indicating that American households are facing economic strain from persistent inflation. July retail sales drop. Germany is overhauling its pension system, a reform that could hand modern fund managers access to a substantial pool of cash.

Legal & Regulatory

Prosecutors examined a firm with ties to the judge in Donald Trump's hush money trial. The U.S. attorney in Chicago subpoenaed a fund-raising firm co-owned by the daughter of Judge Juan Merchan. The FDA has classified a recall of nearly 20 million eggs due to salmonella concerns as Class I, indicating the highest health risk. FDA upgrades egg recall. A U.S. regulator has granted a banking license to a Trump family-tied crypto venture, a move that has become a political flashpoint. Trump crypto venture.

Social & Cultural

Extreme heat continues to batter Europe, with temperatures and wildfires straining infrastructure and testing the continent's resilience. A heat wave in Belgium and neighboring countries highlighted a lack of readiness, a risk as another wave hits Europe. Heat deaths in Belgium. In Iran, a popular YouTube debate program named Azad is tackling sensitive topics that challenge the country's authoritarian system, raising questions about how it has remained accessible. Iranian YouTube show. A Chinese animated film that initially garnered minimal box office revenue has become a social media sensation, with online ridicule paradoxically propelling its box-office revenue.