Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 11:36 PM ET

Market Overview

Global equities rallied on Wednesday after a subdued US inflation report eased fears of an imminent Federal Reserve rate hike, with technology shares leading the advance. U.S. stocks ended mixed as deadlock in the Middle East offset the benign consumer-inflation data and an artificial-intelligence earnings bonanza. Asian currencies consolidated against the greenback, supported by the improved rate-cut outlook.

Equities: Asia Pacific

Japan’s Nikkei rose 1.8%, lifted by gains in chip and electronics stocks as anxiety about Fed rate hikes receded. South Korea’s benchmark surged 23% in 10 days, driven by a revival in the global AI trade that pushed the market toward a technical bull market. Australia’s ASX jumped the most in six years after the main exchange operator gave a positive outlook on its listings business. Treasury Wine Estates shares climbed as much as 6.4% as China demand countered a steep drop in full-year earnings. Origin Energy shares rose the most in six months after full-year profit beat estimates on accelerating EV and home battery uptake. ANZ Group posted a profit climb in the third quarter on deposit growth and loan expansion.

Equities: US & Global

Against the backdrop of tame inflation, AI names rallied. Cisco reported a sharp jump in profit as AI orders rolled in. Cerebras swung to a second-quarter loss of $450.5 million but lifted its full-year outlook. StubHub failed to turn a profit as costs outpaced revenue growth despite a World Cup surge. Goldman Sachs is doubling down on “boomer candy” ETFs that use derivatives to provide stocklike returns with downside protection. Forbes fired its top editor after discovering a secret $6 million payment from a content partner.

Commodities: Oil & Gold

Oil fell in early Asian trade after U.S. crude inventories rose unexpectedly last week as imports increased and exports fell. Gold advanced to a two-month high after the tame US inflation data pared back expectations of an interest-rate hike. Gold steadied near $4,400/oz as the relief from rate-hike bets supported bullion.

Fixed Income & Central Banks

Federal Reserve’s rate path remains a key focus. In Japan, producer prices continued rising at an elevated pace in July, keeping cost pressure on companies as the BOJ mulls further rate hikes. The Reserve Bank of Australia’s Assistant Governor Chris Kent said the softening housing market is contributing to more restrictive financial conditions. Brazil’s Congress approved spending control measures to curb budget growth, a fiscal nod from President Lula ahead of his reelection bid.

Company & Deal News

Tata Group firms lost about $4.5 billion in combined market value as investors focus on succession and strategy after the chairman announced