Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 2:36 AM ET

Equities

Investors returned to European stocks as strong earnings lifted gloom over the Iran conflict, with Stoxx 600 companies on track for 22% profit growth in Q2. In the US, blockbuster earnings from the largest companies bolstered the stock market’s record run, easing worries about AI spending and inflation. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s $300 billion swing in market value this week put Elon Musk back in grind mode after the company’s record IPO.

Asia Markets

China’s inflation cooled more than expected in July, with consumer prices decelerating amid easing cost pressures from the Iran war oil shock. The factory-gate reading also eased for the first time since the conflict began. In South Korea, volatility spiked but then ebbed as leveraged trades were flushed out after a historic selloff. Beijing’s push to compete in AI has boosted CICC, the dominant financier behind China’s AI listings boom.

Energy & Commodities

Indonesia, one of the world’s biggest coal producers, is battling to keep lights on as domestic price caps discourage local supply, causing power blackouts. Meanwhile, Cuba is counting on solar with China’s help to cope with low oil supplies amid increased US pressure.

Corporate & Real Assets

Hargreaves Lansdown ordered staff back to the office three days a week, as the UK’s largest DIY investment platform calls an end to remote work. German shipbuilder TKMS won large orders, but its CEO stresses “prudent growth” focusing on delivery. Impatient yacht owners are making marinas a hot new private equity asset class, with dependable cash flows and room for improvement.

Geopolitical & Regulatory Headwinds

The Trump administration’s proposed changes to historic site reviews could allow a wrecking ball to many sites. In Hawaii, moderate Democrat Ed Case defeated a progressive challenger in a primary focused on cost of living. Taiwan is betting on drones to deter a Chinese invasion, inspired by Ukraine’s battlefield gains. Turkey’s new cyber law shifts sweeping powers to the presidency, raising concern about “absolute digital obedience” among social media and gaming platforms.