Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 2:36 AM ET

Equities & Corporate Earnings

The FTSE 100 is set to join a global rally as the pound steadies against the dollar. Lenovo shares surged 19% after the Chinese computer maker reported a 43% increase in quarterly revenue, beating analyst estimates by a wide margin and reinforcing AI-driven demand optimism. A separate WSJ report highlighted robust AI infrastructure demand and a resilient PC business that drove record-high revenue to kick off its fiscal year. Dutch payments firm Adyen raised its net revenue growth outlook for the year, citing growing demand from new and existing clients processing more payments. German industrial conglomerate Thyssenkrupp lifted the low end of its full-year profit guidance, supported by strength in its steel and naval divisions despite a challenging global environment. In India, a boardroom battle at Tata Sons heralds the start of the "Noel Tata era" at the $280bn conglomerate, which owns Air India and Jaguar Land Rover, amid a turbulent transition for N Chandrasekaran's successor. Luxury carmaker Aston Martin is showing bondholders the hard shoulder as its bonds trade at depressed levels, suggesting even senior creditors are gloomy about recovery prospects amid an asset transfer dispute. Retailer J Crew struggles to recapture its sense of style under high debt, management turmoil and Trump tariffs, hindering Anchorage Capital's turnaround plan.

Commodities & Supply Chains

Aluminum extended its fall from a seven-week high, dropping for a second day as one of the Middle East's biggest smelters announced plans to restore production earlier than expected, blunting fears over a growing shortage. A Russian blockade of major Ukrainian ports threatens global grain supplies, with deadly strikes part of a long-running maritime battle echoing conflicts over other key shipping routes. Meanwhile, Russian ghost fleet tankers under sanctions are using "Mad Max" nets to fend off Ukraine's vast maritime drone campaign. A reality check is needed on Arctic shipping, as new routes will take a long time to become more than a niche commercial activity. In the US, the race to compete with China on lithium runs into water battles and community resistance, threatening Trump-backed plans to build domestic production. Zambia's election on Thursday becomes a battle over the copper windfall, testing whether voters believe they have benefited from the mining boom. Meanwhile, US lettuce prices drop as the inflation dilemma persists, with monetary policy and supply shocks creating a difficult environment.

IPOs & Private Valuations

Investors are betting on a $2tn valuation for AI company Anthropic in what could become the biggest listing in history, fueled by rapid revenue growth that has overcome challenges. A separate report also details Anthropic's IPO plans, with investors eyeing a $2tn valuation as the Claude-maker's revenue surges. Legal AI start-up Legora seeks funds at more than $10bn, only four months after a $5.6bn valuation, as interest in AI tools for professional services soars. Fast-fashion giant Shein is said to consider an Aug. 28 Hong Kong trading debut, with investor orders starting as soon as Aug. 20 for its long-awaited IPO. Wealth managers are cutting fees to win AI's paper millionaires from Anthropic and OpenAI, as the rise of equity-rich tech workers shifts negotiating power toward clients.

AI & Technology

An opinion piece argues that if you weren't worried about A.I. before, you should be after the past few weeks, suggesting it may be time to consider halting development. Wall Street is betting on Nvidia's $500bn data centre financing plan, with everyone loving the stock because they can't afford not to, as Jensen Huang's vision drives the AI boom.

Finance & Regulation

Wall Street's basketball billionaire mess features two NBA owners facing trouble in their Wall Street businesses. The Trump administration lets parts of the National Firearms Act lapse, effectively retreating on a Prohibition-era pillar of gun regulation. Trump is also taxing the dark matter that pays America's way, undermining the income the US receives from deploying knowledge abroad through his tariff regime. India's Prime Minister Modi faces pressure as Parliament is disrupted by opposition protests demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation over police action against student protests.

ESG & Sustainability

Alarm bells are ringing for investors on climate, as damage from wildfires in Europe should be a wake-up call to pay more attention to environmental risk. An English summer is not the same anymore with record temperatures on track for one of the hottest yet, as forecasters issue warnings for very high heat. Sustainability has fallen out of fashion as voluntary commitments by brands to tackle climate change have largely fallen by the wayside, raising questions about what happens next. Women buy their own diamonds now, says Swarovski boss, as cheaper lab-grown stones are enabling self-purchase for women and empowering female consumers.