Market Minutes

Read snapshots of the latest market news

Daily discussion thread for August 21, 2026

Oil prices advanced following the announcement of unprecedented US sanctions against Iran, triggering concerns over potential supply disruptions. Concurrently, Japan recorded its highest inflation rate in several months, while Canadian retail sales exhibited signs of deceleration.

Daily discussion thread for August 20, 2026

The US Treasury announced plans to expand debt buybacks in an effort to curb long-term yields, while weaker-than-expected Australian employment data weighed on the AUD. Meanwhile, US stock benchmarks declined as Walmart shares plummeted despite solid second-quarter earnings.

Daily discussion thread for August 19, 2026

US national debt reached $40 trillion amidst rising long-term bond yields. Meanwhile, UK inflation rose to 2.9%, and positive cancer vaccine trials boosted shares in Moderna and Merck.

Daily discussion thread for August 18, 2026

US stock markets fell as US-Iran geopolitical tensions escalated. Meanwhile, weak housing data, elevated Treasury yields, and unchanged UK unemployment figures influenced global investor sentiment.

Daily discussion thread for August 17, 2026

China’s economic growth slowed in July, as retail sales and industrial output fell short of market estimates. Meanwhile, oil prices rose following stalled US–Iran negotiations and heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Daily discussion thread for August 14, 2026

US retail sales fell by 0.6% and University of Michigan consumer sentiment declined, placing downward pressure on US equities. Meanwhile, Applied Materials surpassed quarterly earnings expectations; however, its shares dropped significantly despite robust annual growth.

Daily discussion thread for August 13, 2026

US PPI slowed to 4.7% in July, boosting equities and lowering interest rate hike expectations, while UK GDP growth decelerated to 0.4% and Japanese producer prices remained near multi-year highs.

Daily discussion thread for August 12, 2026

US headline inflation slowed to 3.4% in July, tempering expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike. Meanwhile, crude oil inventories registered an unexpected surge, and Cisco Systems shares declined post-market despite surpassing quarterly revenue and earnings forecasts.

Daily discussion thread for August 11, 2026

The Reserve Bank of Australia maintained its benchmark interest rate at 4.35% amid persistent inflationary pressures and ongoing Middle East conflict. Concurrently, US existing home sales declined due to elevated long-term mortgage rates, while escalating fears of energy supply disruptions pushed global crude oil prices higher.

Daily discussion thread for August 10, 2026

Crude oil prices jumped nearly 5% as Middle East conflicts threatened the Strait of Hormuz, pushing bond yields higher ahead of crucial US inflation data and key corporate earnings reports.