Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 8:40 AM ET

Equities & Indexes

U.S. stock futures edged higher Thursday after subdued inflation data reinforced expectations that the Fed will hold rates. The Dow futures also ticked higher, with Asian markets climbing on renewed AI enthusiasm. European indexes were mostly higher, with the Stoxx 600 the gainer, though London’s FTSE 100 slipped as miners dropped after Antofagasta cut guidance. A jump in South Korean stocks drove emerging-market equities higher, pushing the Kospi into a technical bull market. The Kospi has caught fire again, though Seoul has curbed the use of leveraged ETFs. South Korea also ordered new investors to take classes after a single-stock trading frenzy, tightening curbs less than three months after controversial products were introduced. European AI stocks drove Stoxx 600 gains despite the region’s low tech exposure. In the U.S., Big Tech debt sales are pushing up credit risk for even safe firms with no AI links. The Tech roundup includes insight on Cisco, Telstra and Lenovo, while the Auto & Transport roundup covers Maersk and Transurban.

Sector & Company Spotlight

Tapestry said its Coach brand led sales growth for another quarter but gave a soft outlook for its new fiscal year. JD.com reported better-than-expected profit and revenue, narrowing losses at its food-delivery business. SMIC, China’s biggest chip foundry, posted a surge in net profit and revenue on strong orders for legacy semiconductors. Lenovo shares jumped 19% after revenue beat estimates, with demand for AI hardware boosting its first-quarter results. The company expects revenue to grow to $100 billion this fiscal year, and its personal-computer business remained resilient. TSMC teamed up with Sony as China AI stocks swung. Adyen shares rose more than 9% after first-half earnings increased, and the Dutch payment company soared by the most in a year after its first-ever acquisitions raised its net revenue growth outlook. CK Hutchison profit jumped sharply in the first half, driven by gains from asset disposals. Tata Motors missed profit estimates as weakness in its Jaguar Land Rover unit offset strong India sales. The battle for control of the $280 billion Tata Group continues. Home Depot CFO Richard McPhail and a senior VP will help manage affairs as CEO takes medical leave. The question of whether investors deserve details of a CEO’s medical leave is also being debated. Thyssenkrupp raised the low end of its profit guidance on steel and naval strength. CSN, the Brazilian steelmaker, reported a tenth consecutive loss as it grapples with debt. Antofagasta posted higher earnings but cut full-year production guidance after heavy rain in Chile temporarily closed a mine. Hapag-Lloyd earnings recovered, driven by strong Asia exports and better U.S. demand. Maersk chief called for investment to ease trade strains, and later the company raised guidance on higher earnings and improved visibility. Orsted profit fell on impairments, but all projects remain on schedule. Northern Star Resources rejected activist investor Elliott’s push to overhaul the board. SpaceX passed its first lockup expiry test, with shares rallying despite millions of shares flooding the market. ZUS Coffee is exploring a Malaysia IPO to raise at least $245 million. Minor International, Thailand’s largest hotel operator, delayed a $1 billion REIT plan due to sour market conditions. TUI CEO said Spain and Italy are hitting tourism capacity limits, while Egypt is poised for growth. DWS Group partnered with a life insurance consolidator to access vast capital pools.

Commodities & Energy

Oil futures slipped 1.3% as U.S. fuel prices are likely to stay high until a lasting deal with Iran. Oil fell further amid a weaker demand outlook and stalled Hormuz talks. Russian diesel exports dropped to a fresh multiyear low as drone attacks hit refineries and Moscow restricted fuel exports. Erbium prices jumped on fears of renewed Chinese export controls. Gold gained after U.S. inflation data reinforced bets the Fed will keep rates on hold. U.S. lettuce prices dropped, yet monetary policy faces a dilemma from supply shocks. Gulf oil giants are spending billions to build ways around the Strait of Hormuz. The Energy roundup includes insight on RWE, Korea Electric Power and Ampol. The war in Odesa is choking off a grain export lifeline. Trucking is booming again, but drivers aren’t happy about it; a podcast also covers the trucking boom.

Fixed Income & Currencies

The U.S. government is about to sell 30-year bonds at the highest yield in a quarter of a century. TIPS look like a bargain for near-term inflation protection. The yen remains within striking distance of 160 against the dollar, even after the prime minister supported a BOJ rate hike. The Japanese drama is no sideshow for U.S. markets, given the yen’s impact. Sri Lanka is reducing reliance on foreign debt and raising more money domestically through longer-term bonds under its IMF program. Nigeria’s central bank widened access to Open Market Operations, allowing all eligible investors to participate in the purchase of OMO bills.

Economy & Policy

The UK economy grew unexpectedly in June, lifting the FTSE 100 along with global markets. The jobless boom has arrived: the stock market thinks the economy is accelerating, but don’t expect jobs to follow. Mexico is pressing the U.S. to cut auto tariffs, while AI build-out fuels warehouse demand. The Health Care roundup covers KPJ, Apotex and Novo Nordisk.

Emerging Markets

Old Mutual returned to Zimbabwe’s dollar-denominated stock exchange after a six-year suspension. South Korea’s stock bulls drove emerging-market gains for a second day, with the Kospi entering a bull market on AI revival.

Deals & Governance

Accelerant agreed to go private in a $4.4 billion deal with Thoma Bravo. Paramount has discussed creating a board to ensure CNN’s independence, while Eli Lilly alleges black market weight loss drug sellers. Elliott pushed Northern Star to overhaul its board but was rejected. The Auto & Transport roundup includes Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk. TSMC and Sony teamed up in the AI chip race.