Public Markets 3 Days

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

US Equities and Inflation

US stock futures showed a slight decline after a previous session's gains, driven by softer inflation data that bolstered hopes for the Federal Reserve to maintain interest rates at its upcoming meeting. US Futures Fall; Gold on Track for Weekly Loss. Earlier in the week, major US stock indexes had slipped in afternoon trading, despite initial positive sentiment, with oil prices seeing an increase amid tensions related to Iran. US Stocks Slip, Oil Prices Rise. This followed a period where US equities were poised to end the week at all-time highs, extending a rally fueled by robust earnings and cooler inflation readings. US Stock Futures Rise on Strong Earnings, Market Momentum.

Treasury Market Dynamics

Short-dated Treasuries experienced a rise after weak July retail sales data further diminished expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. These expectations had already been eroding based on employment figures. Treasury Yields Rise as Retail Sales Weaken Fed Outlook. The US government sold 30-year bonds at the highest interest rate in a quarter of a century, signaling investors' demand for compensation to finance the nation's growing deficit. US to Sell 30-Year Bonds at 25-Year High Yield. Meanwhile, some analysts are betting that ebbing price pressures will help restore faith in Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh’s inflation outlook, positioning for a two-pronged strategy in the Treasuries market. Ninety One Bets Bond Markets Warm to Warsh.

Global Markets and Currencies

The dollar fell to its lowest point since May following an unexpectedly weak reading of US retail sales, prompting traders to further reduce their expectations for an interest rate hike this year. Dollar Falls to May Low Amid Weak Retail Sales. The yen has resumed its slide, eroding gains that followed US Treasury intervention, as concerns grow about the direction of Japan's spending. Why Japan Is Struggling to Stop the Yen’s Decline. Asian stocks were poised to extend gains as further evidence of moderating US inflation and a pullback in oil prices reinforced bets that the Federal Reserve would refrain from raising interest rates. Asian Stocks Set for Gains as US Inflation Cools: Markets Wrap.

Commodities and Energy

U.S. natural gas futures rose, with recovering LNG demand and hot weather providing some support to the market after a slightly bearish storage report. US Natural Gas Futures Rise on LNG Demand, Weather. White sugar futures in London were heading for a third consecutive weekly gain, boosting refining margins as concerns over tightening supplies remained in focus. White Sugar Rally Drives Refining Gains Amid Supply Tightness. Oil edged lower in early Asian trade amidst mixed signals. Oil Edges Lower Amid Mixed Signals.

Corporate and Tech News

Investment gains at Alphabet and Amazon highlight a new dynamic where technology companies' fortunes are increasingly intertwined. Amazon and Alphabet’s Profits Reveal Circular Nature of A.I. Boom. Reddit has become a core focus for marketers aiming to influence both large language models and consumer choices. Brands Target Reddit to Influence LLMs and Consumers. The AI boom is driving significant investment, with companies pouring millions into quantum computing programs to gain a competitive edge and prepare for future encryption threats. Businesses Are Spending Big on Quantum.

Market Trends and Investor Sentiment

Investors are piling back into US stocks as bullish sentiment returns to Wall Street, fueled by stellar earnings seasons and falling inflation that are driving a rebound from July's chip rout. US Stocks Rally Back After July Chip Rout. As the stock market continues its surge to record highs, a growing investor worry is not a market downturn, but rather the fear of missing out on further gains. ‘FOMO Insurance’ Drives Options Buying Spree as Stocks Rally On. The S&P 500 is positioned for a rare fourth year of consecutive annual gains, though risks are rising, with Wall Street appearing to double down on its investments. AI Dip, S&P 500 Levels, Bond Market Risk.

International Markets and Economics

Colombia's local corporate bond sales are rebounding after a four-year slump, with the election of a market-friendly government stimulating investor demand for local assets and leading to a drop in sovereign yields. Colombia Bond Market Rebounds Post-Election. Kenya plans to raise $815 million in a eurobond sale by the end of December to finance its budget deficit and reduce debt costs, according to the National Treasury. Kenya Plans $815M Eurobond Sale for Budget Financing. South Africa is collaborating with the London Stock Exchange to convert outstanding derivative contracts linked to a soon-to-be-abandoned rand reference rate to the country’s new benchmark. South Africa Boosts Zaronia Adoption With London Exchange.

Transportation and Infrastructure

An overnight drone strike ignited a fire at Russia's largest Baltic port, Ust-Luga, a critical gateway for energy and commodity exports, as Ukraine intensifies its campaign against the country's port infrastructure. Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Russia’s Biggest Baltic Port. Falling water levels due to an El Niño event could limit transit slots through the Panama Canal, leading to record-high fees for the crucial maritime passageway. Panama Canal Fees Hit Record High Due to Drought and War. Airbus SE has identified hydraulic system faults on an Air India Ltd. jet that experienced a significant drop in mid-flight last week, according to a preliminary assessment by the aircraft manufacturer. Airbus FDR Data Reveals 4-Second Control Loss in Air India Flight.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

A UK watchdog has imposed a £489,000 penalty on Paul Taylor for providing false information during negotiations for a bank and a football club. UK Financier Fined Over False £200M Bond Claims. In Washington State, a preliminary injunction has barred the prediction market Kalshi from allowing residents to place bets on most of its offerings. Kalshi Halted in Washington State. The U.S. Justice Department has found that inmates at two state-run women's prisons in California routinely had their rights violated, though state officials maintain reforms are already in place. California Ignored Sexual Abuse of Women in Prison, Justice Dept. Says.

Industry and Sector News

Minerals companies are adopting more American-sounding names as the U.S. government injects billions into the industry, with even Australian firms rebranding to appear more patriotic. US Mining Firms Rebrand With Patriotic Names. The demand for artificial intelligence continues to drive Applied Materials' revenue and profit, as customers seek to avoid falling behind in AI adoption. Applied Materials Q3 Profit, Revenue AI Demand. Vestas' share price surge highlights the significant fluctuations in investor sentiment within the wind power sector. Vestas Shares Surge on Wind Power Outlook.

Emerging Markets

Emerging-market stocks and currencies are gaining as a retreat in a key US inflation measure strengthens hopes that the Federal Reserve may not need to raise interest rates soon. Emerging Market Stocks Rise on Easing US Inflation Worries. African local-currency debt is outperforming its emerging-market peers, with high yields and economic reforms attracting investor appetite for government securities. Africa's Local Debt Outperforms EM Peers. Foreign investors have been pulling money out of Brazilian equities at the fastest pace in over five years, becoming increasingly wary of the outlook due to concerns surrounding the presidential election. Foreign Investors Leave Brazil Stocks Rapidly.