Public Markets 8 Hours

Last updated: August 16, 2026, 11:37 PM ET

Equities & Earnings

National Australia Bank shares fell Monday after the lender revealed slowing mortgage growth and cash earnings that were below consensus estimates, underscoring investor wariness toward Australian banking fundamentals. BHP Group heads into Tuesday’s full-year results with the fewest “buy” ratings on record, as analysts grow cautious about commodity demand amid weakening global growth signals. The Nikkei Stock Average rose 0.5% in early trade, supported by preliminary estimates showing weaker-than-expected 2Q GDP growth that could prompt the Bank of Japan to maintain its current monetary stance. Olympus CEO Bob White is adopting private equity-style tactics to deflect takeover interest and boost share price, signaling a strategic pivot toward shareholder-friendly measures rather than passive resistance.

Commodities & Metals

Copper extended a seven-week rally toward record territory, with a key price spread on the London Metal Exchange widening to unusual levels as competition for short-term supply intensifies. Silver shipments into India are picking up despite administrative hurdles, as traders seek to capitalize on attractive premiums following a new licensing regime that disrupted imports. A Hong Kong court ordered a unit of state-backed SDIC Commodities Co. to liquidate, adding to financial troubles for the metals trader as Beijing increases sector-wide scrutiny. Oil prices were mixed in early trade but may find support amid a deadlock in U.S.-Iran talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil flows.

Currencies

The Singapore dollar strengthened slightly against its U.S. counterpart, buoyed by robust export data and easing Federal Reserve hike expectations. Analysts warn that the Thai baht rally may be short-lived as the central bank is likely to maintain a dovish policy stance to support an economy pressured by elevated oil prices. India’s rupee and bond markets remain in focus as the Reserve Bank of India moves to end the FCNR deposit window early, a step that could tighten banking system liquidity.

Fixed Income & Macro

The dollar dipped against most major peers after soft U.S. economic data reduced bets on a Federal Reserve rate hike next month, while Treasuries gained modestly. Gold rose in early trade as weaker-than-expected U.S. labor data and softer inflation prints eased concerns about aggressive Fed tightening, according to ANZ. Gold advanced toward $4,400 as weak retail sales data weighed on the U.S. dollar, making bullion cheaper for most international buyers. Sri Lanka’s inflation is expected to slow toward its 5% target over the second half of this year and into next year, per Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe.

Geopolitics & Policy

Indiana prepared for additional rainfall after days of deadly storms that claimed seven lives, displaced residents, and prompted boat rescues, with flood risks lingering across the region. Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to advance Trump’s Gaza plan and will soon meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss next steps. President Trump said he instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, marking another shift in regional defense posture. China’s energy strategy appears vindicated by ongoing conflict in Iran, with analysts suggesting the playbook may be adopted by other nations, reshaping global market dynamics.

Corporate News

WuXi AppTec continues to gain momentum despite being labeled a Chinese military company by the Pentagon, with some U.S. clients pulling back but investors still piling into the stock on expectations of sustained demand. A2 Milk expects only a gradual recovery from supply chain disruptions that impacted its China sales earlier this year, signaling that earnings margins will remain soft in the near term. Proya Cosmetics will begin selling its flagship brand in the U.S. through a partnership with Ulta Beauty, marking a significant expansion into Western markets. Burger King overhauled its Whopper under a corporate chef known for revitalizing Popeyes, helping drive a broader brand comeback. Sheinbaum moves to restrict Mexican media freedoms, raising concerns among advocates about democratic erosion despite official claims of supporting democratic norms. Mamdani released multilingual videos promoting free theater tickets for high school students, earning praise for his Mandarin delivery and outreach efforts. Prosecutors are investigating four businesses tied to Dodgers owner Mark Walter, focusing on loan proceeds that flowed through entities allegedly controlled by each firm. Zale Parry, an aquatic Hollywood icon and early LSD study participant, died at age, leaving behind a legacy spanning film, television, and counterculture history. Top Admiral Brad Cooper praised U.S.S. Lincoln sailors after visiting the carrier during its extended deployment, acknowledging hardships while noting lower-than-average mental health incidents.