Last updated: August 14, 2026, 2:30 PM ET
US Equities
US stock futures edged higher following subdued inflation data, though gains were tempered by geopolitical tensions and mixed AI earnings. The S&P 500 was mixed as deadlock in the Middle East offset relatively benign consumer-inflation data and an artificial-intelligence earnings bonanza. Earlier, stock futures were higher, but oil, Treasury yields, and gold were all lower as investors weighed signs of cooling U.S. inflation that might allow the Fed to hold rates. The S&P 500 is in position for a rare fourth year of consecutive annual gains, with risks rising despite Wall Street doubling down.
Global Markets
European markets were mixed, with technology stocks rising while miners fell. European indexes saw gains in technology stocks offset falls in miners. Meanwhile, Brazilian assets are posting some of the biggest losses globally this week amid growing angst over the October presidential election. South Korean stocks have jumped 22% in 10 days as the chip rally regains steam, driven by a revival in the global AI trade. Korean stocks marked a dramatic turnaround from last month’s historic rout.
Commodities and Energy
Oil futures were little changed as the market saw little movement toward settling the dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil futures were little changed as the market sees little movement toward settling the dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. natural gas futures rose, with recovering LNG demand and hot weather keeping some support under the market after Thursday’s slightly bearish storage report. U.S. natural gas futures rose, with recovering LNG demand and hot weather keeping some support under the market after Thursday’s slightly bearish storage report. White sugar futures in London headed for a third straight weekly gain, slightly outpacing raw sugar and keeping refining margins near their highest levels in two years. White sugar futures in London headed for a third straight weekly gain, slightly outpacing raw sugar and keeping refining margins near their highest levels in two years.
Fixed Income
Treasuries rallied as weak retail sales data dampened expectations for further Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes. The US two-year yield extended its decline for a third straight week after soft July retail sales data further eroded expectations for Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes settled 1% lower, snapping a four-session winning streak, while silver also fell 1%, down two of the past three sessions. Gold traded either side of $4,400 an ounce, after a subdued US inflation report relieved pressure on the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates. Gold prices traded either side of $4,400 an ounce, after a subdued US inflation data relieved pressure on the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates.
Currencies
The dollar fell to its lowest level since May after an unexpectedly weak report on US retail sales diminished expectations for an interest-rate hike from the Federal Reserve. The dollar fell to the lowest since May after an unexpectedly weak report on US retail sales diminished expectations for an interest-rate hike from the Federal Reserve. The dollar fell as retail-sales data reinforced the case for a Fed rate hold, not hike, next month. The dollar fell as retail-sales data reinforced the case for a Fed rate hold, not hike, next month. The Japanese currency has resumed its slide, eroding gains after the U.S. Treasury intervened to prop it up, as concerns mount about the direction of the country’s spending. The yen's decline has resumed its slide, eroding gains after the U.S. Treasury intervened to prop it up, as concerns mount about the direction of the country’s spending.
Corporate News
Workday Inc. shares jumped after a report that private equity firm Silver Lake is in talks to purchase the software provider. Workday Inc. shares jumped after a report that private equity firm Silver Lake is in talks to purchase the software provider. Braskem SA reported better-than-expected results in the second quarter, benefiting from war-related disruptions to petrochemical supplies from the Persian Gulf and Asia. Braskem SA reported better-than-expected results in the second quarter, benefiting from war-related disruptions to petrochemical supplies from the Persian Gulf and Asia. Applied Materials Inc. is looking to ramp up its manufacturing capacity to meet continued semiconductor solutions demand. Applied Materials is looking to ramp up its manufacturing capacity to meet continued semiconductor solutions demand.
Economic Data
US retail sales slid in July, marking the biggest drop in more than a year as American households face economic strains from persistent inflation. The data for July showed the biggest drop in more than a year, as American households face the economic strains brought on by persistent inflation. US consumer spending softened in July, leading to a slip in equities from all-time highs. US equities slipped from all-time highs as new data showed that consumer spending softened in July.
Geopolitics and Commodities
Drone attacks have sparked a fire at Russia’s Baltic port of Ust-Luga, a key gateway for energy and commodity exports, as Ukraine intensifies its campaign against the country’s port infrastructure. An overnight drone strike sparked a fire at Russia’s Baltic port of Ust-Luga, a key gateway for energy and commodity exports, as Ukraine intensifies its campaign against the country’s port infrastructure. Several regions of Russia are facing fuel shortages again after Ukraine resumed almost daily attacks on oil refineries in the country. Russia faces fuel shortages again after Ukraine resumed almost daily attacks on oil refineries in the country.
Market Sentiment
As the stock market continues to surge to record highs, a growing worry among investors is not that it may come tumbling back down, but the fear of missing out. FOMO insurance is driving an options buying spree as stocks rally on. Convenience store stocks are having their moment, riding a wave of investor demand for more defensive plays as angst over the sustainability of the artificial intelligence boom and ongoing conflicts persist. Convenience store stocks are having their moment, riding a wave of investor demand for more defensive plays as angst over the sustainability of the artificial intelligence boom and ongoing conflicts persist.
Technology and AI
Investment gains at Alphabet and Amazon reveal a new way in which technology companies’ fortunes are increasingly linked. Investment gains at Alphabet and Amazon reveal a new way in which technology companies’ fortunes are increasingly linked. Tencent has reported promising progress on the AI front in recent months, including the release of its Hy3 model, but AI spending is slowing its profit-growth run. Tencent's AI spending is slowing its profit-growth run, despite promising progress on the AI front including the release of its Hy3 model.
Deals and Investments
Carlyle Group Inc. and CVC Capital Partners Plc are exploring a joint takeover of security systems provider Bauwatch, according to people familiar with the matter. Carlyle and CVC are exploring a joint takeover of security systems provider Bauwatch, people familiar with the matter said. Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s richest men, has made his first known investment into a sports team, acquiring a stake in Liverpool Football Club. Jeff Bezos has made his first known investment into a sports team, acquiring a stake in Liverpool Football Club.
Transportation
Airbus SE discovered hydraulic system faults on an Air India Ltd. jet that dropped about 300 feet in mid-flight last week, according to a preliminary assessment by the planemaker. Airbus SE discovered hydraulic system faults on an Air India Ltd. jet that dropped about 300 feet in mid-flight last week, according to a preliminary assessment by the planemaker. An incident in Essex follows the derailment of a train in East Sussex on Thursday, marking the second UK train derailment in less than 24 hours. Second UK train derailment occurred in Essex, following another in East Sussex on Thursday.
Emerging Markets
Africa's local-currency debt is outperforming emerging-market peers, as high yields and economic reforms drive investor appetite for government securities. African local-currency debt is outperforming emerging-market peers, as high yields and economic reforms drive investor appetite for government securities. Emerging-market stocks and currencies extended the week’s gains on Friday as a shift in the US interest-rate outlook added to bullish sentiment around artificial intelligence. Emerging-market stocks and currencies extended the week’s gains on Friday as a shift in the US interest-rate outlook added to bullish sentiment around artificial intelligence.
Legal and Regulatory
Luigi Mangione’s plea in the federal case could make it difficult for New York State prosecutors to try their own case. Mr. Mangione’s plea in the federal case could make it difficult for New York State prosecutors to try their own case. Kalshi was told by a judge to stop offering most of its prediction market contracts in Washington state, after regulators said they likely constituted an illegal gambling operation. Kalshi was told by a judge to stop offering most of its prediction market contracts in Washington state, after regulators said they likely constituted an illegal gambling operation.
Global Trade
Major crop buyers across Asia are turning to alternative suppliers as attacks escalate in the Black Sea, crimping exports from the breadbasket region at a vital point in the season. Asian buyers are turning to alternative suppliers as attacks escalate in the Black Sea, crimping exports from the breadbasket region at a vital point in the season. Chinese cars are flooding international markets as demand slumps at home, testing the shipping industry due to a shortage of vessels. Chinese car exports are flooding international markets as demand slumps at home, testing the shipping industry due to a shortage of vessels.
Consumer Trends
A deluge of sour, briny snacks has infiltrated the market, with snack companies coating everything in pickle flavor for Gen Z. Pickle-flavored snacks have infiltrated the market, with snack companies coating everything in pickle flavor for Gen Z. At a proliferating number of stores, discounts on sushi and other items are offered after 8 p.m., with consumers needing to arrive early to secure the best meals. Discounted sushi is available at a growing number of stores after 8 p.m., with consumers needing to arrive early to secure the best meals.
Financial Services
Robinhood has raised $200 million for a second publicly traded vehicle, allowing ordinary investors to buy into privately held start-ups. The trading platform has raised $200 million for a second publicly traded vehicle, allowing ordinary investors to buy into privately held start-ups. Jane Street paid $200 million to keep its debt private, highlighting the value of cheap financing for privacy. Jane Street paid $200 million to keep its debt private, highlighting the value of cheap financing for privacy.
Activist Investing
Investors can unlock value by pushing companies to spin off businesses or sell to rivals, according to a new report. Investors can unlock value by pushing companies to spin off businesses or sell to rivals. Northern Star Resources Ltd., Australia’s largest gold miner, has rejected activist investor Elliott Investment Management LP’s calls to overhaul the company’s board. Northern Star Resources Ltd., Australia’s largest gold miner, has rejected activist investor Elliott Investment Management LP’s calls to overhaul the company’s board.
Venture Capital
A shift in business models within venture capital conflicts with the long-term nature of developing new drugs and treatments, potentially impacting innovation. Biotech VC models conflict with the long-term nature of developing new drugs and treatments, potentially impacting innovation.
Real Estate
New York City’s pied-à-terre tax can proceed for now after an appeals court temporarily halted a Staten Island judge’s order blocking the plan. The pied-à-terre tax can proceed for now after an appeals court temporarily halted a Staten Island judge’s order blocking the plan.
Global Development
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 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.
Environmental Concerns
As producers keep crude moving during the war, leaks across the Gulf are exposing the growing environmental toll. Oil spills across the Gulf are exposing the growing environmental toll as producers keep crude moving during the war. Extreme temperatures and repeated wildfires are pushing infrastructure to the limit and testing the continent’s resolve. Europe's heat waves and wildfires are pushing infrastructure to the limit and testing the continent’s resolve. Another day of near record heat baked the continent on Friday, but temperatures could retreat to seasonal averages in the coming days. Europe's heatwave relief is on the horizon, though another day of near-record heat baked the continent on Friday.
Healthcare
The Honest Company’s finance chief Curtiss Bruce discusses his first year, including how the company retooled the baby and personal-care brand. Curtiss Bruce discusses his first year, including how the company retooled the baby and personal-care brand.
Sports and Entertainment
Paramount-Warner faces a potential Hollywood Waterloo as a politicized antitrust suit threatens the merger. Paramount-Warner merger is threatened by a politicized antitrust suit. David Ellison, the media company's leader, is considering pulling the company out of California in the face of a lawsuit by states seeking to block its big deal. David Ellison is considering pulling the company out of California in the face of a lawsuit by states seeking to block its big deal. Disney's biggest blockbuster was a TV channel in Connecticut: ESPN. ESPN was Disney's biggest blockbuster, funding acquisitions and theme parks.
Legal and Regulatory
The U.S. Justice Department found that California ignored the sexual abuse of women in prison. California prisons were found to have ignored the sexual abuse of women. A judge dismissed the Trump administration’s antisemitism case against Harvard, calling the incidents "isolated and episodic." Harvard University was the subject of an antisemitism case dismissed by a judge.
Global Affairs
The Taliban, having previously ousted the U.S. from Afghanistan, now seeks its return and investment. The Taliban seeks the return of U.S. investment in Afghanistan. Russia campaigned to derail Moldova's pro-Western government through various means, including vote-buying and propaganda. Russia's election interference in Moldova aimed to derail the Western-leaning government.
Aerospace and Defense
BAE Systems was fined $36 million for illegal exports. BAE Systems was fined for illegal exports. Boeing analysts have turned the most bullish on the company since 2022, citing a "momentum shift." Boeing analysts are the most bullish on the company since 2022.
Retail and E-commerce
Shein lost a UK copyright lawsuit against Temu, a case that tested online platforms’ responsibility for third-party merchants. Shein and Temu were involved in a UK copyright lawsuit. Chinese car exports are surging as demand slumps at home, leading to a shortage of ships to handle the volume. China's car exports are testing the shipping industry due to high demand and limited vessels.
Mining and Materials
Prospectors are eyeing mineral deposits within the former boundaries of Utah's Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. Mining claims are being staked on land cut from Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Monuments. Copper prices are surging as a deepening squeeze on supply is evident in the LME spread, which is heading for its highest level since 2021. Copper crunch worsens as a key spread heads for its highest level since 2021.
Automotive
Jaguar Land Rover's owner saw its shares slip after profits tumbled, with the finance chief describing times as "simultaneously both difficult and exciting." JLR owner shares slipped after profits tumbled. Mexico is pressing the U.S. to cut auto tariffs, as the country faces challenges with export demand. Mexico urges US to reduce auto tariffs.
Technology
Applied Materials Inc. is looking to ramp up its manufacturing capacity to meet continued semiconductor solutions demand. Applied Materials is looking to ramp up its manufacturing capacity to meet continued semiconductor solutions demand. Tencent's AI spending is slowing its profit-growth run, despite promising progress on the AI front including the release of its Hy3 model. Tencent's AI spending is slowing its profit-growth run, despite promising progress on the AI front including the release of its Hy3 model.
Finance
Jane Street paid $200 million to keep its debt private, highlighting the value of cheap financing for privacy. Jane Street paid $200 million to keep its debt private, highlighting the value of cheap financing for privacy. Robinhood has raised $200 million for a second publicly traded vehicle, allowing ordinary investors to buy into privately held start-ups. The trading platform has raised $200 million for a second publicly traded vehicle, allowing ordinary investors to buy into privately held start-ups.
Geopolitics
The Taliban seeks the return of U.S. investment in Afghanistan. The Taliban seeks the return of U.S. investment in Afghanistan. Russia campaigned to derail Moldova's pro-Western government through various means, including vote-buying and propaganda. Russia's election interference in Moldova aimed to derail the Western-leaning government.
Business
Braskem SA reported better-than-expected results in the second quarter, benefiting from war-related disruptions to petrochemical supplies from the Persian Gulf and Asia. Braskem SA reported better-than-expected results in the second quarter, benefiting from war-related disruptions to petrochemical supplies from the Persian Gulf and Asia. Workday Inc. shares jumped after a report that private equity firm Silver Lake is in talks to purchase the software provider. Workday Inc. shares jumped after a report that private equity firm Silver Lake is in talks to purchase the software provider.
Economics
US retail sales slid in July, marking the biggest drop in more than a year as American households face economic strains from persistent inflation. The data for July showed the biggest drop in more than a year, as American households face the economic strains brought on by persistent inflation. US consumer spending softened in July, leading to a slip in equities from all-time highs. US equities slipped from all-time highs as new data showed that consumer spending softened in July.
Energy
Oil futures were little changed as the market saw little movement toward settling the dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil futures were little changed as the market sees little movement toward settling the dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. natural gas futures rose, with recovering LNG demand and hot weather keeping some support under the market after Thursday’s slightly bearish storage report. U.S. natural gas futures rose, with recovering LNG demand and hot weather keeping some support under the market after Thursday’s slightly bearish storage report.
Markets
European markets were mixed, with technology stocks rising while miners fell. European indexes saw gains in technology stocks offset falls in miners. Meanwhile, Brazilian assets are posting some of the biggest losses globally this week amid growing angst over the October presidential election. South Korean stocks have jumped 22% in 10 days as the chip rally regains steam, driven by a revival in the global AI trade. Korean stocks marked a dramatic turnaround from last month’s historic rout.
Financials
Robinhood has raised $200 million for a second publicly traded vehicle, allowing ordinary investors to buy into privately held start-ups. The trading platform has raised $200 million for a second publicly traded vehicle, allowing ordinary investors to buy into privately held start-ups. Jane Street paid $200 million to keep its debt private, highlighting the value of cheap financing for privacy. Jane Street paid $200 million to keep its debt private, highlighting the value of cheap financing for privacy.
Investment
Investors can unlock value by pushing companies to spin off businesses or sell to rivals, according to a new report. Investors can unlock value by pushing companies to spin off businesses or sell to rivals. Northern Star Resources Ltd., Australia’s largest gold miner, has rejected activist investor Elliott Investment Management LP’s calls to overhaul the company’s board. Northern Star Resources Ltd., Australia’s largest gold miner, has rejected activist investor Elliott Investment Management LP’s calls to overhaul the company’s board.
Venture Capital
A shift in business models within venture capital conflicts with the long-term nature of developing new drugs and treatments, potentially impacting innovation. Biotech VC models conflict with the long-term nature of developing new drugs and treatments, potentially impacting innovation.
Real Estate
New York City’s pied-à-terre tax can proceed for now after an appeals court temporarily halted a Staten Island judge’s order blocking the plan. The pied-à-terre tax can proceed for now after an appeals court temporarily halted a Staten Island judge’s order blocking the plan.
Development
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 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.
Environment
As producers keep crude moving during the war, leaks across the Gulf are exposing the growing environmental toll. Oil spills across the Gulf are exposing the growing environmental toll as producers keep crude moving during the war. Extreme temperatures and repeated wildfires are pushing infrastructure to the limit and testing the continent’s resolve. Europe's heat waves and wildfires are pushing infrastructure to the limit and testing the continent’s resolve. Another day of near record heat baked the continent on Friday, but temperatures could retreat to seasonal averages in the coming days. Europe's heatwave relief is on the horizon, though another day of near-record heat baked the continent on Friday.
Consumer
A deluge of sour, briny snacks has infiltrated the market, with snack companies coating everything in pickle flavor for Gen Z. Pickle-flavored snacks have infiltrated the market, with snack companies coating everything in pickle flavor for Gen Z. At a proliferating number of stores, discounts on sushi and other items are offered after 8 p.m., with consumers needing to arrive early to secure the best meals. Discounted sushi is available at a growing number of stores after 8 p.m., with consumers needing to arrive early to secure the best meals.
Tech
Applied Materials Inc. is looking to ramp up its manufacturing capacity to meet continued semiconductor solutions demand. Applied Materials is looking to ramp up its manufacturing capacity to meet continued semiconductor solutions demand. Tencent has reported promising progress on the AI front in recent months, including the release of its Hy3 model, but AI spending is slowing its profit-growth run. Tencent's AI spending is slowing its profit-growth run, despite promising progress on the AI front including the release of its Hy3 model.
Deals
Carlyle Group Inc. and CVC Capital Partners Plc are exploring a joint takeover of security systems provider Bauwatch, according to people familiar with the matter. Carlyle and CVC are exploring a joint takeover of security systems provider Bauwatch, people familiar with the matter said. Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s richest men, has made his first known investment into a sports team, acquiring a stake in Liverpool Football Club. Jeff Bezos has made his first known investment into a sports team, acquiring a stake in Liverpool Football Club.
Transport
Airbus SE discovered hydraulic system faults on an Air India Ltd. jet that dropped about 300 feet in mid-flight last week, according to a preliminary assessment by the planemaker. Airbus SE discovered hydraulic system faults on an Air India Ltd. jet that dropped about 300 feet in mid-flight last week, according to a preliminary assessment by the planemaker. An incident in Essex follows the derailment of a train in East Sussex on Thursday, marking the second UK train derailment in less than 24 hours. Second UK train derailment occurred in Essex, following another in East Sussex on Thursday.
Emerging Markets
Africa's local-currency debt is outperforming emerging-market peers, as high yields and economic reforms drive investor appetite for government securities. African local-currency debt is outperforming emerging-market peers, as high yields and economic reforms drive investor appetite for government securities. Emerging-market stocks and currencies extended the week’s gains on Friday as a shift in the US interest-rate outlook added to bullish sentiment around artificial intelligence. Emerging-market stocks and currencies extended the week’s gains on Friday as a shift in the US interest-rate outlook added to bullish sentiment around artificial intelligence.
Legal
Luigi Mangione’s plea in the federal case could make it difficult for New York State prosecutors to try their own case. Mr. Mangione’s plea in the federal case could make it difficult for New York State prosecutors to try their own case. Kalshi was told by a judge to stop offering most of its prediction market contracts in Washington state, after regulators said they likely constituted an illegal gambling operation. Kalshi was told by a judge to stop offering most of its prediction market contracts in Washington state, after regulators said they likely constituted an illegal gambling operation.
Trade
Major crop buyers across Asia are turning to alternative suppliers as attacks escalate in the Black Sea, crimping exports from the breadbasket region at a vital point in the season. Asian buyers are turning to alternative suppliers as attacks escalate in the Black Sea, crimping exports from the breadbasket region at a vital point in the season. Chinese cars are flooding international markets as demand slumps at home, testing the shipping industry due to a shortage of vessels. Chinese car exports are flooding international markets as demand slumps at home, testing the shipping industry due to a shortage of vessels.