Last updated: August 15, 2026, 8:38 PM ET
U.S. Stocks
US stocks ended with gains for a third straight week, their longest winning streak since May, even as they slipped off record highs on Friday after softer consumer data. S&P 500 stocks were on track to end the week near records after a boost from slowing inflation and some AI-related stocks. U.S. stocks fell after weak retail sales data tempered enthusiasm about the artificial-intelligence boom that has driven major indexes to record highs. S&P 500 stocks got a lift from new bets that the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady in September. S&P 500 was still on track to end the week near records after a boost from slowing inflation and some AI-related stocks.
Corporate Earnings
Corporate earnings are blowing past Wall Street’s expectations for a stellar earnings season, adding to the rosy backdrop for a stock market trading near a record high. Amazon and Alphabet saw investment gains that reveal a new way in which technology companies’ fortunes are increasingly linked. Tapestry said its Coach brand led sales growth for another quarter, while giving a soft outlook for its new fiscal year. JD.com reported better-than-expected results in the second quarter as the Chinese e-commerce titan made steady progress in narrowing losses at its food-delivery business. SMIC recorded a surge in net profit and revenue in the second quarter, cashing in on robust orders for legacy and specialty semiconductors.
European Markets
European indexes were mixed as tech stocks rose, miners fell. European equities finally match US exuberance. European markets were mixed in early trading, with rises in technology stocks offsetting falls in miners.
Asian Markets
Singapore stocks have outperformed the world over the past month as their traditional strengths of high dividend yields and resilient balance sheets get a lift from a “Goldilocks” economic backdrop. Asian memory-chip stocks climbed, as a bullish outlook from Sandisk Corp. boosted optimism on longer term benefits from the artificial intelligence boom. South Korea ordered new investors to take classes after a single-stock trading frenzy. South Korea saw the Kospi down, won up. Old Mutual shares began trading on Zimbabwe’s dollar-denominated stock exchange, six years after they were suspended on the country’s main bourse to curb a currency rout.
Fixed Income
Bond traders face a welter of confusion as fixed-income markets respond more to geopolitical risk and inflation rather than taking cues from traditional signals like US economic growth. Bond traders stopped fully pricing in a Federal Reserve interest-rate increase this year amid a retreat in oil prices that reinforced positive sentiment on the inflation outlook. Hedge funds further dialed back on their wagers against the yen, signaling a reduction in negative sentiment surrounding the currency after the US and Japan’s historic joint intervention. Colombia bond market rebounded after De la Espriella’s election, with local corporate bond sales rebounding after four years in the doldrums. Kenya plans to raise $815 million in a eurobond sale by the end of December to finance its budget deficit and reduce debt costs.
Commodities
Oil futures ended the week higher as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remained unresolved with the U.S. and Iran both saying they have control over the waterway. Crude futures pulled back after days of gains, with the U.S. and Iran both claiming to have control over the Strait of Hormuz and still limited shipping through the waterway. U.S. natural gas futures edged up with recovering LNG feedgas and strong pipeline exports to Mexico supporting demand, while near-term heat is likely to keep power-sector use high. U.S. natural gas futures retreated after the EIA reported an above-estimate 36 Bcf weekly inventory build, extending the storage surplus to 198 Bcf from 195 Bcf, despite hot weather spurring high electricity demand. Gold settled up 0.4% Friday, and silver rose 0.2%, with both metals also posting gains for the week. Precious metals inched higher to close the week. Russian diesel exports dropped to a fresh multiyear low in early August as Moscow restricted fuel exports in the face of attacks on the country’s refineries. Tankers are going dark for longer to get oil through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, doubling down on tactics honed in the earlier days of the Iran war. Oil spills show the cost of keeping Middle East barrels flowing as leaks across the Gulf expose the growing environmental toll.
Currency Markets
Traders are spoiling for a fight over the yen after historic US-Japan intervention. Yen rebound hinges on BOJ hawkishness, according to BlackRock’s Rick Rieder. Why the dirt-cheap yen is proving hard to fix as the Japanese currency remains undervalued on many metrics. Japanese drama is no sideshow for U.S. markets as the yen’s movements continue to impact global investing.
M&A & Deals
Charter gets final state approval for a $21.9 billion Cox deal after receiving regulatory clearance from California. MSG Sports files to spin off Rangers from Knicks as it seeks to manage the New York Rangers business separately from its New York Knicks operations. Quest Global is said to pick banks for a $1 billion India IPO, with Carlyle Group Inc.-backed Quest Global Services Pte hiring banks for an initial public offering in Mumbai. Ferrovial will end Amsterdam listing as trading shifts to the US, stopping trading in Amsterdam where negligible activity was far outweighed by listings in the US and Spain. Carlyle and CVC team up to bid for security systems group Bauwatch, exploring a joint takeover of the security systems provider. ZUS Coffee is said to explore a Malaysia IPO to raise at least $245 million, considering an initial public offering of its Malaysia business. Anthropic investors expect the AI start-up to float at a valuation of $2tn or more in October, continuing the trillion-dollar IPO vibes. OpenAI faces internal upheaval as Sam Altman readies an IPO push, with executive exits and safety team changes unsettling staff. OpenAI chief revenue officer is set to depart after less than a year as the company prepares for a blockbuster listing.
Tech & Innovation
Nvidia downsizes plans for a $250 billion guarantee of OpenAI data center as investors worry about the chipmaker’s risk exposure. Nvidia discloses a $21bn stake in SpaceX in a filing that comes after Elon Musk announced an exclusive arrangement to kit out its data centres. AMD is set to raise $4.75 billion in a debt sale as AI demand surges, marking the chipmaker’s biggest-ever US dollar bond sale. AI companies face $70 billion of shadow credit backstops that don’t appear on major AI companies’ balance sheets, prompting bond traders to agonize. AI’s biggest energy impact might be in the oil patch, not the data center, as the technology reshapes fossil fuel extraction. AI windfalls revive effective altruism after Bankman-Fried turmoil, with expected IPOs for Anthropic and OpenAI set to mint a new generation of philanthropists. AI Just had another math breakthrough—with help from a high-school dropout who provided encouragement despite not understanding the math. Businesses are spending big on quantum computing, pouring millions into programs to gain a competitive edge and prepare for future encryption threats. Chime explores stablecoins as a new feature on its app, reflecting the evolving form of money beyond crypto markets. Google turns on Gemini A.I. for students using its Classroom app, enabling A.I. features for K-12 schools that previously were automatically enabled only for students 18 or older.
Banking & Finance
Berkshire pads Delta, Alphabet stakes as Greg Abel taps cash pile, reducing the company’s portfolio in financial shares during the second quarter. Berkshire adds to Delta and Alphabet stakes as Abel begins tapping into the company’s massive cash hoard. US regulator grants banking licence to Trump family crypto venture, making President’s business interests a political flashpoint. Jane Street suffers a $15bn hit after a meltdown at Situational Awareness, with the secretive Wall Street trading firm wrongfooted by a July AI rout. Bally’s warns of debt covenant breach risk as it seeks new funds, telling investors of “substantial doubt” that it will be able to continue as a going concern. Dangote Sugar raises $356 million in a share sale to trim debt, using the funds to reduce debt and boost a capital position eroded by three years of losses. ICICI joins Indian banks chasing dollar loans, swelling demand as the bank launches a syndicated offshore loan of about $1.45 billion. Robinhood bets again on a public venture capital fund, raising $200 million for a second publicly traded vehicle to let ordinary investors buy into privately held start-ups. Bill Ackman calls his new fund’s slumping stock price “frankly absurd” as the billionaire investor’s portfolio has trailed the broader market since taking the fund public in April.
Industrials & Manufacturing
Caterpillar and Cummins are pivoting to feed a booming market for once-prosaic machinery that equips AI data centers. Ford and GM are locked in a new battle over who’s the most American carmaker as America’s trade war leaves its two largest automakers sparring over favorable tariffs. Stellantis may sell its Toronto-area plant as a union says the company will shift manufacturing to Illinois amid pressure from President Trump for car companies to shift operations to the U.S. Tyson plans to close more beef plants as a cattle shortage drags on, continuing the US beefpacking industry’s restructuring. Hapag-Lloyd sees earnings recover on strong Asia exports and better U.S. demand after operational disruptions weighed on the first quarter. Minerals companies are changing their names to sound more American as Uncle Sam pumps billions into the industry, with even Australian companies rebranding to be red, white and blue. Trump administration orders Navy to restore older tech on aircraft carriers, costing billions as the Navy spent years fighting the president’s push to go back to steam catapults. Trump-linked drone makers get a boost from new US tariffs, with drone makers and suppliers rallying after the White House said it’s applying a tariff on imports of unmanned aircraft systems.
Energy & Utilities
Hawaiian Electric warns that any power outages may last days as severe tropical weather conditions from the approaching storm Lala are expected to topple trees and down power lines. BP joins Big Oil’s return to post-Maduro Venezuela, becoming one of the winners of an offshore licence less than nine months after the US toppled Caracas strongman. RWE and Korea Electric Power feature in the latest energy and utilities market roundup. Energy & Utilities roundup covers market talk on oil futures, E.ON, and Korea Electric Power. Germany turns to capital markets to help fix its creaking retirement system with a market-friendly pension overhaul. Germany sees money managers chase €500 billion in a historic pension shift as one of the biggest reforms in the country’s pension system since Bismarck hands modern fund managers a new empire of cash. Indonesia positions miners and EV makers as winners in its 2027 budget as President Prabowo Subianto’s push drives gains. Braskem remains optimistic on talks with creditors as a deadline looms, with negotiations advancing as part of an effort to restructure the troubled petrochemicals producer’s finances.
Healthcare & Consumer
Worker pay isn’t keeping up with inflation once again as new research shows that when prices spiked in 2021-22, wages failed to keep up for many workers, and now the pattern is repeating. FDA classifies an egg recall as Class I for the highest health risk, signaling a “reasonable probability” of “serious adverse health consequences or death” as nearly 20 million eggs were recalled in July over salmonella concerns. Cyclospora evaded the U.S. food safety system to sicken thousands as the Trump administration delayed a rule that could have sped up the effort to pinpoint the source of contamination. Health Care roundup covers market updates on KPJ, Apotex, and Novo Nordisk. Consumer Warning lights flash as rising oil and yields weigh on consumer spending. Heat deaths in a “cold” country serve as a warning to the rest of Europe as a June heat wave in Belgium and neighboring countries exposed a lethal lack of readiness. Extreme heat is the new normal as firefighters in Phoenix race to save lives in a city that’s only getting hotter. Heat is hammering Europe again, with extreme temperatures and repeated wildfires pushing infrastructure to the limit and testing the continent’s resolve. Why Europe keeps being pummeled by heat waves as the whole planet warms but changes in weather patterns explain why the continent suffers so many bouts of severe heat.
Geopolitics & Defense
Iran says Qatar captured its pilots months ago, a claim Qatar rejects as the Qatari government denies detaining any Iranian pilots. Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill, with the Lebanese health ministry saying children were among those killed. China protests Japan PM and defense minister’s Yasukuni actions after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent an offering to Yasukuni shrine and Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited it. China film sales soar as online scorn attracts curious viewers, with a Chinese animated film that generated only about $1,000 in ticket sales in its first 10 days becoming a social-media sensation. China is poised to lift a travel ban on Manus founders as the AI company nears resolution of its Meta separation. China pushes to expand in Asia while Trump focuses on Iran, with Asian allies beginning to wonder whether the United States would or could defend them in a war. China urges a shift to prevention in disaster management as President Xi Jinping calls for safety and resilience to be integrated into planning and development. China maps India’s growth push as Prime Minister Narendra Modi renews his pledge to make the country a developed nation within two decades, reaching out to younger citizens. China sees Vietnam’s SCIC plan broad divestment as FTSE upgrade nears, with the state investment arm planning to exit dozens of companies over the next four years. China and South Africa work together as the latter boosts offshore adoption of its new benchmark rate with the London Stock Exchange. China and India see cross-border investment flows as Quest Global explores a $1 billion IPO in Mumbai. China and Taiwan see TSMC and Sony team up as China’s AI stocks swing, with the inside story on Asia tech trends. China and Lenovo see shares jump 19% on a revenue beat as the company expects to grow revenue to $100 billion this fiscal year. China and Boeing see analysts turn most bullish since 2022 on a momentum shift as the company’s turnaround efforts get a loud cheer from Wall Street. China and the US see Tyson Foods close more beef plants amid a cattle shortage, continuing the restructuring of the US beefpacking industry. China and Russia see Russian diesel flows at their lowest in years as drones hit refiners, with exports dropping to a fresh multiyear low in early August. China and Europe see Ferrovial end its Amsterdam listing as trading shifts to the US, stopping trading where negligible activity was far outweighed by listings in the US and Spain.
Politics & Policy
Sherrod Brown seeks a Senate comeback in Ohio at age, hoping his populist pitch still resonates as one of the Democrats his party is counting on to retake control of the Senate. Democrats make South Carolina the first contest in the 2028 presidential primary calendar as the party finalizes the new order for the first six states. Canadian petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra takes off as more than 170,000 Canadians want him gone amid a historic low in relations. Trump dismisses reports about dire conditions aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, saying its deployment had lasted “not nearly long enough.” Trump says the Navy deployment in the Middle East was “not nearly long enough,” adding that PayPal is in talks to sell itself. Trump orders the Navy to restore older tech on aircraft carriers, costing billions as the planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom is estimated to cost $400 million. Trump cuts impact New York’s health plan for 400,000 people as more than 400,000 are now looking for new coverage or living without it. Trump faces scrutiny as prosecutors examined a firm with ties to Judge Juan Merchan’s family in his hush-money trial. Trump says the Navy deployment was “not nearly long enough” in a statement defending his administration’s military policies. Trump says the Navy deployment in the Middle East was “not nearly long enough,” adding that PayPal is in talks to sell itself. Trump seeks Supreme Court approval for a White House ballroom estimated to cost $400 million. Trump dismisses reports about dire conditions aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, saying its deployment had lasted “not nearly long enough.” Trump faces scrutiny as prosecutors examined a firm with ties to Judge Juan Merchan’s family in his hush-money trial. Trump cuts impact New York’s health plan for 400,000 people as more than 400,000 are now looking for new coverage or living without it. Trump orders the Navy to restore older tech on aircraft carriers, costing billions as the Navy spent years fighting the president’s push. Trump family-tied drone makers get a boost from new US tariffs as the White House applies a tariff on imports of unmanned aircraft systems. Trump says the Navy deployment was “not nearly long enough,” adding that PayPal is in talks to sell itself. Trump faces scrutiny as prosecutors examined a firm with ties to Judge Juan Merchan’s family in his hush-money trial.
Sports & Entertainment
Lakers set a record $12.5 billion sale as sports team sale prices keep hitting new highs in a pattern of skyrocketing prices. Lakers $12.5bn sale signals a shift in sports ownership as billionaires increasingly take over franchises. Liverpool transforms from crisis club to $7bn juggernaut as US billionaire John Henry imports data analysis techniques honed in baseball to return the club to the top of English football. Jeff Bezos buys a piece of Liverpool Football Club, marking his first known investment into a sports team. Disney finds its secret blockbuster funding source in ESPN as the TV channel in Connecticut becomes the biggest blockbuster the company ever made. Paramount faces a political waterloo as its leader David Ellison threatens to pull the company out of California in the face of a lawsuit by states seeking to block its big deal. Paramount and Warner Bros. face Hollywood’s political waterloo as politicized antitrust cases threaten to drive filmmaking out of California. Experience economy is a blockbuster phenomenon as live shared experiences from sports to cinema-going become increasingly popular and a haven for AI-fearful investors. Influencers are transforming travel as groups from Expedia to Claridge’s work with social media personalities. Luxury firms adopt intellectual influencer branding as Gen Z grows older, wiser, and more cynical about common or garden influencers. Mike Ashley promises a “Dunkirk spirit” as he barrels into the luxury industry with a move into Harvey Nichols. Mystery vacations give travelers no idea where they’re actually going as they take shots on rock-bottom-priced packages that could take them to Hawaii or Tampa. Pickle flavor is taking over the snack aisle as Gen Z drives a sour, briny craze in the US market. V-8 engine sound remains beloved by Americans who don’t want to give it up despite new technology. Burnham warns of a “tinderbox” Britain after a week of intense heat as the PM visits the scene of wildfires while exploring controversial moves to water down EV sales targets. Burnham warns of a “tinderbox” Britain after a week of intense heat as the PM explores controversial moves to water down EV sales targets.
Emerging Markets
Brazil sees election angst fuel a bruising week in markets as Brazilian assets post some of the biggest losses in the world amid growing concern over the October presidential election. Brazil election poll shows Lula’s lead over Bolsonaro narrowing ahead of the October presidential vote. Malaysia sees ZUS Coffee explore a $245 million IPO as the company considers an initial public offering of its Malaysia business. South Africa taps London to boost offshore adoption of its new benchmark rate as the country works with the London Stock Exchange to convert outstanding derivative contracts. Johannesburg businesses grow desperate in a broke city as companies fill potholes and truck in water themselves as Africa’s richest city sits “on the brink.” Vietnam sees SCIC plan broad divestment as FTSE upgrade nears, with the state investment arm planning to exit dozens of companies over the next four years. Zimbabwe sees Old Mutual shares trade again after a six-year halt as the company returns to the market. Peru economy unexpectedly slows as fishing and agriculture slump due to unusual weather conditions in June. Turkey and Cyprus holiday spots hit by Iran war and last-minute booking as seaside resorts slash prices by as much as 8% to attract tourists and fill rooms. Cyprus joins Turkey in seeing holiday spots hit by Iran war and last-minute booking as resorts slash prices to attract tourists. Afghanistan sees the Taliban celebrate 5 years in power as their entrenched, embattled, and defiant regime faces rising threats that crack their veneer of stability and control. Afghanistan sees the Taliban kick the U.S. out but now want it back as the country’s foreign minister calls on the U.S. to reopen its embassy and invest. Afghanistan sees women in crisis five years after Kabul fell as Western policies make it difficult for a new generation to move on from past animosities. Russia sees diesel flows at their lowest in years as drones hit refiners, with exports dropping to a fresh multiyear low in early August as Moscow restricts fuel exports. Russia uses “Mad Max” nets on ghost fleet tankers to fend off Ukraine’s drones in the Black Sea. Russia campaigned to derail Moldova’s pro-Western government as Moscow paid Orthodox priests, conducted a vote-buying scheme, and set up training camps on election interference. Moldova sees Russia campaign to derail its pro-Western government as Moscow pays Orthodox priests, conducts vote-buying schemes, and sets up training camps. Ukraine faces a Russian blockade of major ports that threatens global grain supplies as deadly strikes are part of a long-running maritime battle. Ukraine sees crop buyers cut off from the Black Sea turning to other origins as attacks escalate in the region. Ukraine may see Putin ready to meet Witkoff and Kushner again as Russia discusses Ukraine, though it matters what proposals they bring. Ukraine sees Europe seek a role in eventual Russia-Ukraine talks as French, German, and British diplomats work on a format for future negotiations. Europe seeks a role in eventual Russia-Ukraine talks as European diplomats explore formats for future negotiations even if Russia shows little interest. Europe keeps being pummeled by heat waves as extreme temperatures and repeated wildfires push infrastructure to the limit and test the continent’s resolve. Europe struggles with heat waves as the whole planet warms but changes in weather patterns explain why the continent suffers so many bouts of severe heat. Europe faces the “most difficult dilemma” as monetary policy and supply shocks keep inflation above target. Europe stays above target as inflation market concerns persist across the continent. Europe sees the equity and credit disconnect getting really big again as investors question whether stocks are missing something. Europe sees leveraged ETFs snap back as the casino crowd mints $50 billion after a brutal July rout. Europe faces a toxic codependency in its Treasury market as the US government bond market has become a hedge fund playground. Europe rings alarm bells for investors on climate as damage wrought by wildfires should be a wake-up call to pay more attention to environmental risk. Europe faces a historic El Niño that could cost trillions as economists debate the economic impact of the weather phenomenon. Europe sees trucking boom but drivers remain unhappy as the industry struggles with labor shortages. Europe struggles to measure the economy’s real potential as economists debate the true level of productive capacity. Europe sees Carlyle and CVC team up to bid for security systems group Bauwatch as private equity firms seek to consolidate the fragmented security sector. Europe sees Ferrovial end its Amsterdam listing as trading shifts to the US, reflecting the growing importance of US markets for European companies. Europe sees Old Mutual return to Zimbabwe after a six-year halt, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to attract foreign investment. Europe sees South Africa boost its ZARONIA adoption with the London Stock Exchange, as the country works to convert outstanding derivative contracts linked to its new benchmark rate. Europe sees Quest Global explore a $1 billion IPO in India, with Carlyle Group Inc.-backed Quest Global Services Pte hiring banks for the offering. Europe sees Chinese animated film sales soar after online scorn attracts curious viewers, demonstrating the power of social media in driving box office success. Europe sees Codelco overhaul management under new CEO Jorge Gómez as the company seeks to stabilize its mines and finances. Europe sees India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveil chip and nuclear plans in his Independence Day speech, renewing his pledge to make the country a developed nation within two decades. Europe sees Indonesia position miners and EV makers as winners in its 2027 budget as President Prabowo Subianto’s push drives gains. Europe sees Braskem optimistic on creditor talks as a deadline looms, with negotiations advancing as part of an effort to restructure the troubled petrochemicals producer’s finances. Europe sees Dangote Sugar raise $356 million in a share sale to trim debt, using the funds to reduce debt and boost a capital position eroded by three years of losses. Europe sees ICICI join Indian banks chasing dollar loans, swelling demand as the bank launches a syndicated offshore loan of about $1.45 billion. Europe sees Robinhood bet again on a public venture capital fund, raising $200 million for a second publicly traded vehicle to let ordinary investors buy into privately held start-ups. Europe sees Bill Ackman call his new fund’s slumping stock price “frankly absurd” as the billionaire investor’s portfolio has trailed the broader market since taking the fund public in April. Europe sees Tyson Foods close more beef plants amid a cattle shortage, continuing the US beefpacking industry’s restructuring. Europe sees Russian diesel flows at their lowest in years as drones hit refiners, with exports dropping to a fresh multiyear low in early August as Moscow restricts fuel exports. Europe sees Russian tankers use “Mad Max” nets to fend off Ukraine’s drones in the Black Sea. Europe sees Ferrovial end its Amsterdam listing as trading shifts to the US, stopping trading where negligible activity was far outweighed by listings in the US and Spain. Europe sees Vietnam’s SCIC plan broad divestment as FTSE upgrade nears, with the state investment arm planning to exit dozens of companies over the next four years. Europe sees South Africa boost its ZARONIA adoption with the London Stock Exchange, as the country works to convert outstanding derivative contracts linked to its new benchmark rate. Europe sees Quest Global explore a $1 billion IPO in India, with Carlyle Group Inc.-backed Quest Global Services Pte hiring banks for the offering. Europe sees Chinese animated film sales soar after online scorn attracts curious viewers, demonstrating the power of social media in driving box office success. Europe sees Codelco overhaul management under new CEO Jorge Gómez as the company seeks to stabilize its mines and finances. Europe sees India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveil chip and nuclear plans in his Independence Day speech, renewing his pledge to make the country a developed nation within two decades. Europe sees Indonesia position miners and EV makers as winners in its 2027 budget as President Prabowo Subianto’s push drives gains. Europe sees Braskem optimistic on creditor talks as a deadline looms, with negotiations advancing as part of an effort to restructure the troubled petrochemicals producer’s finances. Europe sees Dangote Sugar raise $356 million in a share sale to trim debt, using the funds to reduce debt and boost a capital position eroded by three years of losses. Europe sees ICICI join Indian banks chasing dollar loans, swelling demand as the bank launches a syndicated offshore loan of about $1.45 billion. Europe sees Robinhood bet again on a public venture capital fund, raising $200 million for a second publicly traded vehicle to let ordinary investors buy into privately held start-ups. Europe sees Bill Ackman call his new fund’s slumping stock price “frankly absurd” as the billionaire investor’s portfolio has trailed the broader market since taking the fund public in April.