Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: August 10, 2026, 8:42 AM ET

Market Overview

Global equity futures edged higher as markets braced for U.S. inflation data later this week, while oil prices climbed on escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Futures pointed to a positive open for the S&P 500 after last week’s rally, but European indexes were mixed, with the Stoxx 600 and DAX extending records while the FTSE 100 slipped. Gold held above $4,400, supported by ETF and central bank buying, and eurozone bond yields rose slightly on geopolitical uncertainty.

Equities

U.S. stock futures were mostly higher ahead of the CPI release, while UK markets were set to fall at the open. Tractor Supply surged to record highs after strong earnings, even as the chain retrenches by cutting prices and slowing expansion. Cloudflare announced a $2.175 billion convertible note offering after its guidance boost. Teledyne Technologies agreed to buy Varex Imaging for $1.1 billion, and Duke Energy plans a $1.75 billion equity units offering to reduce debt.

In the tech sector, Meta released an open-source AI model, Muse Glimmer, as Zuckerberg criticized closed rivals. A surge in AI-related demand for memory chips has sparked a lobbying push among electronics makers and medical device companies. Chinese EV exports are benefiting from high gasoline prices driven by the Middle East conflict. The auto roundup covered Wizz Air, Hero Moto Corp, and Qantas, while the tech roundup featured Apple, Net Link NBN Trust, and Cambricon Technology. Food scares have served up profits for companies like Yum Brands, and Warren Buffett has been buying again. TKMS, the shipbuilding arm of Thyssen Krupp, secured major order wins as its CEO stressed prudent growth.

Private equity firms remain saddled with 33,575 unsold businesses even as public markets rally, weighing on exit prospects. The London Stock Exchange’s deputy CEO warned that London needs more capital to revive its struggling public markets as companies increasingly list in the U.S.

Commodities

Oil prices rose as doubts grew over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. European TTF gas climbed more than 5% on shipping concerns. The U.S. president’s low-key pivot has prolonged uncertainty, as Iran insists the waterway will stay closed until its demands are met. Oil prices also climbed on the continued stalemate. Adnoc Gas is exploring a new LNG export facility outside Hormuz and plans to invest more than $8 billion in expansion after leaving OPEC. U.S. airstrikes have devastated southern Iran, further destabilizing the region.

Gold held above $4,400 ahead of U.S. inflation data, with ETF inflows and central bank buying driving the rally. Barrick and Newmont resolved their dispute over a Nevada joint venture, clearing the way for an IPO. Italy fined utility A2A €5 million for manipulating the power market during the 2022 energy crisis. Record-low Danube River levels are threatening Black Sea grain exports just as Ukrainian ports face renewed Russian strikes. The U.S. pledged $2 billion for battery and materials producers to shore up domestic supply chains.

Fixed Income & FX

Eurozone government bond yields rose slightly on Middle East uncertainty. In Japan, Meiji Yasuda Life is monitoring a rise in policy surrenders as higher interest rates push customers into other products. The Bank of Japan faces a delicate balancing act; your move, BoJ highlights the pressure from weak jobs data and yen intervention.

The euro was flat against the dollar after touching a seven-week high, with U.S. CPI data this week expected to lift it above $1.16. The pound steadied as UK markets opened. Egypt’s headline inflation accelerated for the first time since March, disrupting a disinflation trend.

Central Banks & Policy

The Philippine central bank kept a rate hike on the table despite weak GDP growth, ready to tighten further to control inflation. Indonesia’s president nominated Destry Damayanti as the sole candidate for central bank governor, a move seen as calming markets after Perry Warjiyo’s unexpected resignation.

Geopolitical Risks

A Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial city in Tatarstan killed at least 13 people, marking one of the deadliest strikes on Russian territory since the war began. The attack adds to the geopolitical backdrop that continues to drive energy and commodity markets.