Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 11:41 AM ET

Equities

US stocks are sitting at record levels, but anxiety over geopolitics, inflation, and a divided Federal Reserve is keeping animal spirits at bay, which some strategists see as a buying opportunity for the S&P 500.

Fixed Income

Atlanta’s airport is coming to market with a $1.1 billion municipal bond sale, boosting issuance in the lagging airport sector. Intercontinental Exchange has begun selling US investment-grade bonds to help fund its $6 billion acquisition of Market Axess. In Brazil, CSN obtained enough support for a $1 billion debt exchange, providing financial relief amid high financing costs. Meanwhile, private-credit firms are tightening loan terms to curb the use of payment-in-kind provisions, fearing that “shadow defaults” are underreported.

Commodities & Energy

US natural gas futures held steady in early trading, retaining gains from a hotter near-term weather outlook. Russia’s crude oil exports tumbled to their lowest since May as a brief lull in drone strikes allowed refiners to boost runs, diverting crude from exports. Severe thunderstorms are threatening the US Midwest and Ohio Valley, including Chicago and Cincinnati, with flood warnings.

Deals & M&A

Hollywood mogul Ari Emanuel is buying theater giant ATG Entertainment for $6 billion through his live entertainment business Mari Group. The deal values ATG at £4.5bn and includes 7 Broadway theaters and 10 in London’s West End. The purchase will give Emanuel control of dozens of venues worldwide, pending regulatory approval.

Auto & Manufacturing

GM President Mark Reuss discussed the automaker’s electric vehicle strategy, its challenges in China, and his family legacy at the company. Robots that walk and talk are being deployed in car factories, though experts question their efficiency gains. China is tightening its grip on Europe’s car supply chain through acquisitions of local parts makers, worrying EU officials.

Consumer & Regulation

Chobani cut its annual earnings forecast as rising material costs pressure the Greek yogurt maker. A proposed rule by RFK Jr. on food additive transparency has limitations, sparing food companies from a full crackdown. Buc-ee’s aggressive trademark enforcement has sparked backlash in Beavercreek and on HBO.

Policy & Technology

President Trump has nominated Dennis Kirk, a co-author of Project 2025, to be Interior Department inspector general, a role that would oversee any review of the Reflecting Pool. South Africa vowed that Eskom will not weaken after restructuring, rebuking the utility’s chairman for questioning the plan. A Financial Times opinion piece argues that humans cannot remain passengers in the back of the AGI car, warning against fatalistic acceptance of the technology’s evolution.