Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 5:54 PM ET

U.S. Equities

All three major stock indexes rose, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq capping their best week since April after a July payrolls report showed the economy lost 23,000 jobs, far weaker than expected. The surprising data gave the Federal Reserve reason to hold off on raising interest rates next month, fueling a broad rally that also saw Airbnb shares soar. The financial world’s catalog of complaints keeps getting longer, but in markets the response is increasingly one of indifference.

Fixed Income

Treasury yields fell after the weaker-than-expected jobs report, with the 10-year note yield declining as traders priced in a slower economy and diminished rate‑hike risk.

Commodities

U.S. natural gas futures posted their seventh consecutive weekly loss as strong production and soft LNG feedgas offset high seasonal power‑sector demand. Oil futures settled higher on Friday but finished down on the week: WTI rose 1.2% to $78.18 a barrel, though it lost 7.7% for the week, and Brent gained 1.3% to $83.55 for a 5% weekly decline.

Currencies

Hedge funds sharply reduced bearish bets on the yen after coordinated efforts by U.S. and Japanese officials helped stabilize the currency.

Deal Flows & Corporate

Live‑shopping platform Whatnot has nearly doubled its valuation to $20 billion in less than a year. SpaceX shares surged for a second straight day, approaching the company’s $135 initial public offering price for the first time since falling below that level last month, after staging a $327 billion rally. In a contrasting view, Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley cast doubt on Harvey Nichols’ prospects, calling the department store chain a ‘death spiral’ even as he vies to acquire it.

Geopolitics & Policy

Escalating tensions between the Iran‑backed Houthi group and the Yemeni government have prompted fears that a truce is nearing collapse, after Houthis claimed an attack on a military camp that killed 30. In Washington, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is forging ahead in the fight for the Senate despite setbacks, telling a new Michigan contender to just win. The Senate passed a sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, whose sudden death spurred quick action. The Trump administration has resumed its battle to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, sending her a letter saying it is “considering” removing her. Separately, the Army opened test ranges to private industry to help break a munitions bottleneck, allowing companies to prove their weapons in battlefield conditions.

Health

A growing number of people who feel that antidepressants block their true emotions are searching for guidance on how to exit these drugs, but many don’t have clear pathways.