Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 5:36 PM ET

Equities

U.S. stocks ended mixed as a relatively benign consumer-inflation report was offset by deadlock in the Middle East, while artificial-intelligence earnings provided a lift. The S&P 500 found support from what Ed Yardeni called "fabulous earnings momentum," prompting him to raise his year-end target to 8,400. AI names rallied after Cisco reported a rise in fourth-quarter profit, and Lambda Inc. wrapped up a $926 million leveraged-loan deal to finance GPU purchases. Nelson Peltz is preparing a bid for Wendy's, while Brinker International guided for another year of profitable growth as Chili's attracted value-seeking diners. Home Depot's CEO is taking a medical leave of absence. Carvana saw short bets fall sharply as it tunes up its balance sheet. America's largest home lender United Wholesale Mortgage is struggling.

Fixed Income & Currencies

Treasury yields and the dollar partially recovered from morning declines, with the dollar strengthening to reverse earlier losses. The yen edged closer to 160 per dollar, keeping investors on the lookout for intervention. Brazilian markets are seeing election worries seep into a favorite carry trade. Sub $2.85 billion bond offering for data-center financing. Air Baltic's bonds slumped further into distressed territory. Goldman Sachs is doubling down on "boomer candy" ETFs. The Treasury scaled back shell companies scrutiny. An opinion piece warned that stablecoin rules could blunt competition.

Commodities

Gold settled 0.6% higher, and silver rose 1.2% after tame July inflation data. Oil futures ended little changed as talks appeared at a standstill. Natural gas futures rose on hotter weather forecasts. Crude oil stockpiles unexpectedly built by 17.4 million barrels. Fuel prices are at record levels for this period. The USDA made a surprise cut to corn yield projections. Coffee exports partially resumed after the earthquake. Gulf oil giants are spending billions to build around the Strait of Hormuz. El Niño is causing dry spells on three continents.

Economy & Policy

July CPI eased slightly, but prices remain elevated. The data offered a reprieve to the Federal Reserve as it weighs a rate increase. Consumer debt showed overall health amid divides. The Wall Street Journal explained how the CPI is constructed. President Trump is calling for the M.M.R. vaccine to be split into three shots. The FAA plans to strengthen radio signals after a helicopter incident. Prediction firms are flagging insider traders, but many avoid charges.

Deals & Corporate News

Forbes fired its top editor after a secret $6 million payment. President Trump was sued over early Truth Social access. Press groups sued Trump over publishing official announcements on the platform. Two Sigma co-founder offered his wife $633 million in a divorce trial. David Ellison floated a Hollywood exit amid a lawsuit. Paramount discussed creating a board to ensure CNN's independence. Mark Walter's insurers are rushing to unwind affiliated investments. Lakers are being sold amid a DOJ probe. Greenland oil wildcatters delayed a drilling plan. Ice Silk Road sees China winning the race.

Sectors & Trends

The EV market is proving tougher, with drivers looking for deals. AI fortunes may be hiding in ignored markets. LinkedIn wants users to cut AI slop. Emotion-tracking cameras are of interest to many companies. The Bank of England is exploring how to regulate stablecoins but too tight a limit could blunt competition. Oil stockpiles were discussed in the Energy roundup. Auto roundup covered China's EVs. Tech roundup included Super Micro Computer and bitcoin. Odd Lots Live is coming to LA on September 17.