Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 8:42 AM ET

Markets Overview

Small-business confidence rose to 99.8 in July, the highest since August 2025, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. European equities continue to defy forecasts, with the Stoxx 600 rallying 12% this year on surprisingly robust earnings and economic growth. Meanwhile, shareholder proposal filings have dropped sharply in 2024 amid pushback from companies and changes to SEC rules, reducing pressure on corporate boards. In emerging markets, India’s retail traders lost 916.85 billion rupees ($9.6 billion) in equity futures and options in the year through March, down from 1.1 trillion rupees a year earlier, highlighting persistent speculative risks. Turkish funds are urging authorities to crack down on unusual trading activity that has distorted stock prices and threatens the nation’s inclusion in major equity benchmarks.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices rose to $90 a barrel as the U.S.-Iran stalemate hardened and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continued to dwindle. Trump’s anti-wind crusade is boosting U.S. gas, with the government redirecting funds from wind developers toward fossil fuel projects. A chicken surplus is squeezing U.S. poultry companies, while new food safety rules have been proposed. Smithfield Foods cut its full-year outlook, citing continued macroeconomic pressures and falling quarterly sales. The energy roundup features insight on Contact Energy and Adnoc Gas.

Industrials & Transport

Phillips 66 announced a $5 billion Western Gateway pipeline—a 900-mile line carrying gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from the Texas Panhandle to Phoenix and Los Angeles—marking the refiner’s return to California after fleeing the state. Hanwha has offered roughly $1 billion to acquire Austal USA, the builder of U.S. Navy ships, in a strategic push into American shipbuilding. TPG agreed to buy a 61.2% stake in South Korea’s Lotte Rental for 1.31 trillion won ($925 million), reviving the sale of the country’s largest car-rental company months after regulators blocked an earlier deal. The auto & transport roundup includes insight on Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and Schaeffler.

Tech & Media

Intel investors are banking on a comeback as AI mania transforms demand for its foundry services and improves pricing. Adani secured an $800 million loan from overseas lenders to fund its push into data centers, following the dropping of U.S. bribery charges. The tech & telecom roundup provides insight on TSMC, Axiata and Apple.

Consumer & Retail

Cardinal Health reported mixed fiscal fourth-quarter sales across its two main lines, but expects revenue to rise in both segments in the new fiscal year. On Holding tempered its sales outlook for the year after the running-shoe maker posted lower-than-expected second-quarter sales. Domino’s is set to release a new individual-size rectangular pizza aimed at solo diners, as more Americans eat meals alone. BlocPower, a green loan and building retrofit provider that drew elite investors, is at risk of collapse.

Fixed Income & Currency

TIPS bonds offer a rare buying opportunity with real yields above 2%, as inflation expectations remain stable and investors can lock in positive returns. The yen slid toward 160 per dollar, raising speculation that Japanese authorities may intervene again to prop up the currency.

Politics & Policy

Primary elections pose three crucial tests this week that could reshape the political landscape. States scrutinize voter rolls as the debate over election security intensifies; the same article also notes a potential Tesla-SpaceX merger that would give Elon Musk a shortcut to his $1 trillion payday, and the University of Michigan’s decision to drop first-semester grades to curb a mental health crisis. A secret Trump evacuation plan was revealed by officials, while the F.D.A. moved to close a food safety loophole. Russian civilian deaths are growing rapidly as Ukraine expands its air war, fueling discontent among Russians though it remains unclear whether this will change the Kremlin’s calculus.