Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: August 21, 2026, 11:32 PM ET

Energy & Commodities

Oil futures posted weekly gains as Middle East tensions simmered with no diplomatic progress on the U.S.-Iran conflict. Crude oil stockpiles rose by 4.4 million barrels last week, marking the third consecutive build, while natural gas futures settled higher for a second straight week on hot summer weather driving electricity demand.

Crypto & Metals

Bitcoin jumped more than 9% to hit a peak of $79,455 on Friday—its highest level since late May—as institutional demand and short covering converged. Gold climbed back above the $4,600-an-ounce mark as investors viewed the U.S. Treasury's plans to expand bond buybacks as a sign of stress, while Comex Gold ended the week 5.56% higher at $4,624.10.

Fixed Income

Bond yields rose despite Treasury efforts to curb borrowing costs, extending a turbulent stretch for the bond market. US 30-Year Bonds reversed gains from the Treasury's buyback surprise, showing the move did little to counter angst about surging government debt. Japanese Government Bonds saw firmer demand than the 12-month average at a 20-year bond sale, while Japan Medium-Term Bonds experienced the largest foreign outflow since 2006.

Equities

US stocks rose Friday as a surging bitcoin and resilient crypto stocks helped lift sentiment. European indexes were largely higher at open, with the Stoxx 600 lifted by the banking sector, while Novonesis led Europe's Stoxx 600 on a sales beat and guidance raise. Indian stocks topped Indonesia as Asia's least-favored in a Bof A poll, signaling growing caution toward emerging markets.

Banking & Finance

Citadel offloaded 80% of its portfolio acquired from Situational Awareness, executing more than $4 billion worth of block trades in recent weeks. Private equity is deploying an army of AI experts to embed in the firms they back, with Wall Street firms seeing big business potential in offering AI services. Private credit is eyeing $1 trillion in British pensions as a next big opportunity, with deals involving Standard Life, CVC, and Goldman Sachs.

Corporate News

Walmart is playing the long game by lowering prices using $29 billion in tariff refunds, while Target raised its fiscal-year forecast again as turnaround gains traction with consumers. Deere reported higher profit and sales in its fiscal third quarter, driven by growth in construction equipment offsetting agricultural weakness. Lowe's cut its outlook after posting results that missed estimates, citing a weak housing market.

Technology

Nvidia is in talks to invest in data-center power developer Cloverleaf Infrastructure, cementing its role in developing data-center projects. Samsung announced a record $78.88 billion buyback amid the AI boom, while Apple paid $17 billion in taxes to Ireland following a court ruling on back levies. Alibaba Group and AI developments featured prominently in tech market discussions.

Geopolitics & Policy

Treasury Secretary Bessent faced a wild week when schooled by the bond market, with his buyback announcement stemming a selloff but not for long. Iran's President called to end the war with the US from a position of strength, as Iranian Oil supply to Chinese refiners tightened under the US blockade. Turkey requested Netanyahu's arrest, accusing Israel of abusing flotilla activists.

M&A & Deals

Danone's $1.2 billion Huel deal received UK competition clearance, while CK Hutchison sought $1.5 billion in Panama port arbitration over asset losses. MPS's proposed a three-way bank merger, thinking three takeovers are better than one. Pinewood agreed to a £545 million private equity takeover.

Regulatory & Legal

TikTok settled with the US over child privacy concerns for $400 million, resolving a lawsuit accusing the company of illegally gathering children's information. SEC accused a former Bank of America utilities banker of insider trading, with the regulator saying Satsky helped a friend make $18.5 million in illegal profits. Uber faced an €825 million Dutch GDPR fine over automating driver suspensions.

Emerging Markets

Brazil's election saw Lula maintain his lead over Bolsonaro six weeks from the October vote, according to a new poll. YMTC sought to raise $4.9 billion in a Shanghai IPO, following rival CXMT's offering. Venezuela signaled readiness to sign oil deals, with the oil minister telling Houston investors the country is keen to ramp up output from its vast reserves.

Commodities & Agriculture

Wild weather sent crop prices soaring in a risk to China trade, as extreme weather trimmed US harvests and boosted prices for farmers. Adnoc cuts to Murban volumes sent the flagship oil grade higher, planning to trim crude sold to Asian customers. South African Rand gained below 16 per dollar, erasing Iran war losses as the greenback extended declines.

Retail & Consumer

BJ's Wholesale won value-seeking shoppers with deals on gas and groceries, raising its full-year profit outlook. Starbucks was laying off more than 200 workers, while Shein struggled to grow ahead of its much-delayed IPO amid pressure in the US and Europe. Estée Lauder doubled down on turnaround efforts as sales climbed 6.3%.

Energy Transition

Nibe Industrier shares rose more than 8% after reporting sales and operating profit growth on strong heat-pump demand in Europe and the US. Hua Hong Grace and Weichai Power joined Hong Kong's stock benchmark, while Chinese EV recalls addressed door safety concerns. Fortescue saw profits fall as China challenges persisted, despite buoyant iron ore prices.