Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 8:41 AM ET

Commodities & Energy

Brent crude touched $90 a barrel as the U.S.-Iran stalemate over the Strait of Hormuz hardened, with commercial shipping continuing to dwindle. Oil futures climbed alongside Treasury yields as Trump demanded compensation from Iran before any deal. The real squeeze is happening in refineries, where Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and China’s fuel export restrictions have taken millions of barrels of refined products off global markets. Aluminum extended its rally to a seven-week high after a key Brazilian alumina producer slashed output to 50%, adding to major supply disruptions. Copper shipments from Indonesia suffered delays after the Gresik smelter halted due to a boiler leak. Gold held broadly flat as markets awaited U.S. inflation data for interest-rate cues, while emerging-market currencies weakened and bond yields rose on fading Hormuz reopening hopes. A key alumina producer in Abu Dhabi, Adnoc L&S, posted a record quarterly profit buoyed by strong shipping rates. Trump’s anti-wind crusade redirected funds toward fossil fuels, boosting U.S. gas. Energy & Utilities roundup covered Contact Energy and Adnoc Gas.

Equities

European indexes were boosted by energy stocks on the oil rally, while Stoxx 600 gained 12% year-to-date as Europe’s markets defied stagflation forecasts. Futures pointed to a flat open in London as gilts dropped on revived inflation worries. Intel investors are betting on a comeback driven by AI mania transforming demand. CoreWeave shares have rallied after a slump; its earnings after the close Tuesday will test sustainability. DayOne Data Centers confidentially filed for a $5 billion U.S. IPO. Unitree, a Chinese robot maker, saw its IPO 5,500 times oversubscribed by retail investors ahead of a Shanghai listing. Turkish funds urged authorities to crack down on unusual trading that risks excluding Turkey from major equity benchmarks. Wipro exited India’s Nifty 50 as BSE joined, reflecting a shift from outsourcing to domestic growth. India equity fund flows moderated in July though small-caps remained hot. On Holding tempered its sales outlook after Q2 revenue missed estimates. Domino’s plans a new individual-size pizza to boost sales as more Americans dine alone. Cardinal Health reported mixed Q4 sales but expects growth in both segments this year. Smithfield Foods cut its full-year outlook as sales fell on macroeconomic pressures. Tech, Media & Telecom roundup highlighted TSMC’s AI-driven growth and Axiata.

Fixed Income & Currencies

The yen slid toward 160 per dollar, raising intervention concerns as effects of recent action fade. Dollar rose but is at risk of falling due to Fed uncertainty on the energy-price shock. TIPS bonds offer a rare buying opportunity with real yields above 2%. Gilts dropped as the oil rally revived inflation worries. Deutsche Bank became the first European clearing bank for renminbi, boosting China’s currency internationalization. The yen intervention effects are already fading, raising questions about further action.

Deals & Corporate

TPG agreed to buy a 61.2% stake in South Korea’s Lotte Rental for $925 million. Hanwha offered to buy Austal USA, a builder of U.S. Navy ships, for about $1 billion. Adani Group secured an $800 million loan from overseas lenders to fund data center expansion. Samsung SDI bought GM’s stake in their U.S. battery joint venture and will use the Indiana plant for energy storage. Larsen & Toubro plans to manufacture rare-earth magnets in India to reduce import reliance. Nick Blair seeks ~$200 million for a defense tech startup called Pyra. Phillips 66 announced the $5 billion Western Gateway Pipeline from Texas to Phoenix and Los Angeles. Shareholder proposal filings dropped sharply in 2024. BlocPower, a green loan startup backed by elite investors, is at risk of collapse. Goldman Sachs staff are named as suspects in a Brazil probe over a shareholder dispute. UWM, America’s mortgage king, lost $600 million and needed an Oaktree rescue.

Economy & Politics

U.S. small business confidence rose to 99.8 in July, its highest since August 2025, per the NFIB. India’s retail traders lost $9.6 billion in equity derivatives in the year through March. Chinese auto sales fell in July on weak demand and higher oil prices. Chicken surplus is squeezing U.S. poultry companies, with new food rules proposed. European defense stocks are tipped to reignite as the rearmament cycle enters a new stage. Healthcare investing has become an AI short in disguise as big companies trade opposite to tech. Climate misery is forcing businesses to invest in adaptation as extreme weather solidifies. Voter rolls are being scrutinized ahead of elections, while a Tesla-SpaceX merger could fast-track Musk’s $1 trillion payday. Democrats added Ohio’s Brian Poindexter to their “Red to Blue” list against Max Miller. Three political tests in primaries include Wisconsin and Minnesota. Home equity tapping rose to record levels as Americans refinance to pay credit card debt.