A chronological text record of the AI Market Commentator: important releases, breaking developments, market reactions and concise context for the trading day.
SPCX and AST SpaceMobile are reportedly interested in acquiring 800 MHz spectrum licenses valued around $6 billion, with preliminary bids due in early September.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.07 percent, Nasdaq futures is up 0.05 percent, Dow futures is up 0.05 percent and Russell futures is up 0.1 percent.
US equities are higher. S&P futures are up 0.07 percent, Nasdaq futures are up 0.05 percent, and Russell futures are up 0.1 percent. In foreign exchange, EUR/USD is up 0.07 percent, and USD/JPY is down 0.09 percent. WTI crude is down 0.61 percent, and gold is up 0.23 percent.
Japan's July nationwide overall CPI rose 2.0% year-on-year. The July core-core CPI, excluding fresh food and energy, increased 1.9% year-on-year. Brent crude traded above $93 a barrel, on track for a second consecutive weekly rise with gains over 5% this week.
Japan's Overall Nationwide CPI is reported at 2.0%, above the 1.9% forecast and 1.7% prior. Separately, July CPI excluding fresh food and energy rose 1.8% year on year. OpenAI has added ChatGPT support for Apple Messages on Mac.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.08 percent, Nasdaq futures is up 0.06 percent, Dow futures is up 0.04 percent and Russell futures is up 0.1 percent.
US equity futures are higher: S&P futures are up 0.09 percent, Nasdaq futures are up 0.08 percent, and Russell futures are up 0.12 percent. In FX, EUR/USD is up 0.06 percent, and USD/JPY is down 0.06 percent. WTI crude is down 0.6 percent, and gold is up 0.19 percent. The VIX is up 7.52 percent. US 10-year yields are up 4.3 basis points, and US 30-year yields are up 4.3 basis points.
Australia Services PMI Flash signals new business activity data. The next scheduled risk is CPI excl. Food and Energy y/y at 23:30 UTC.
Australia's Composite PMI flash rose to 52.5, with the Manufacturing PMI flash printing at 52, unchanged from prior. The Services PMI Flash reported 52.9.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.04 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.06 percent, Dow futures is up 0.04 percent and Russell futures is up 0.07 percent.
US equity futures are mixed: S&P futures are up 0.04%, Nasdaq futures are down 0.06%, and Russell futures are up 0.07%. In FX, EUR/USD is up 0.03% and USD/JPY is up 0.56%. WTI crude is down 0.61% and Gold is up 0.11%.
Silver is up 1.78%, and platinum has gained 1.58%. Silicon is down 0.74%, and iron ore CNY has dropped 0.70%. Gold is little changed.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.02 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.06 percent, Dow futures is up 0.02 percent and Russell futures is down 0.02 percent.
US equities are mixed: Russell futures is down 0.01 percent and Dow futures is up 0.02 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.04 percent, euro dollar is up 0.02 percent and dollar yen is up 0.59 percent. Brent crude is down 0.52 percent.
Iran rejects Trump's threat of unprecedented economic isolation. BMO reiterates Broadcom at Outperform with a $455 price target, citing accelerating AI and XPU demand. BMO also rates AMD Outperform with a $550 price target, noting the company is on the verge of becoming a complete AI infrastructure provider.
BMO has initiated coverage on NVIDIA with an Outperform rating and a $340 price target. Separately, the Washington Post reports President Trump is increasingly lashing out at allies as victory in the Iran war proves elusive. Bessent threatens secondary sanctions on countries and companies dealing with Iran, while the UK, France, and Germany condemn Israel's West Bank settlement plans.
Bitcoin is trading at approximately $72,500, up nearly 7%, following the liquidation of roughly $500 million in short positions. Glassnode indicates $75,800 as a key reference level.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.87 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.72 percent, and the Dow is down 1.32 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.04 percent, EUR/USD is unchanged, and USD/JPY is up 0.59 percent. The VIX is up 7.52 percent, and the US 10-year yield is up 4.3 basis points.
Osisko Gold announces an amendment to its 450-million-dollar Appian credit facility. The company states that key technical conditions precedent are satisfied after completing the Lowhee infill drill program at the Cariboo Gold Project.
The White House reports that Trump has signed a directive to support U.S. space launches. Separately, South Korea's July Producer Price Index declined month-on-month, the first such drop since August 2025. Also, Micro1 made a $12.5 million proposal to Spirit Airlines' legal team.
US equities are lower: S&P futures are down 0.82 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.72 percent, and Russell futures are down 1.37 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.03 percent, EUR/USD is unchanged, and USD/JPY is up 0.6 percent. WTI crude is up 2.46 percent, and gold is up 0.64 percent. The VIX is up 7.52 percent. The US 10-year yield is up 4.3 basis points.
Evolution Petroleum has closed its acquisition of Midland Basin mineral and royalty interests. Additionally, Federal Reserve Chairman Warsh is scheduled to speak at 10:00 am ET on August 28 in Jackson Hole.
Gold futures are trading above $4,380 an ounce. Separately, multiple stocks have scheduled reverse splits for Friday, August 21st, including BTOG 1-for-5, ELAB 1-for-10, SMTK 1-for-50, SCNI 1-for-10, LIMN 1-for-50, XCH 1-for-20, and MGN 1-for-40.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.84 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.74 percent, Dow futures is down 1.28 percent and Russell futures is down 1.38 percent.
US equities are lower. S&P futures are down 0.84 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.72 percent, and Russell futures are down 1.38 percent. In foreign exchange, the US Dollar Index is up 0.05 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.01 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.63 percent. WTI crude is up 2.56 percent, and gold is up 0.69 percent. The US 10-year yield is up 4.3 basis points, now at 4.696 percent. The VIX is up 7.52 percent, trading at 16.01.
LivePerson reports its merger proposal did not receive sufficient votes for approval. James Hardie is selling its European operations, including fermacell to Holcim for 840 million euros, and has authorized a 250 million dollar share repurchase program. Federal Reserve Chairman Warsh is scheduled to speak at 10:00 AM ET on August 28 in Jackson Hole.
The Dow Jones Index closed 1.26% lower, down 673 points, with Walmart, Boeing, and Home Depot leading the decline. MGN announced a 1-for-40 reverse split effective August 21, 2026. HNI's board approved an additional $200 million for its share repurchase program.
Abbott will pay about $670 million to resolve the Gill case and 2,000 related preterm infant formula claims. Sempra has sold Ecogas, generating about $500 million in proceeds. US bonds and stocks are lower.
Here is what changed in the last few minutes. Fortive increases regular quarterly dividend. Bkv Corporation files to offer up to 5.32M shares. Sempra to sell 45% stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners.
Broadcom is seeking over $60 billion in its latest AI debt deal. Nvidia's earnings are estimated for August 26th at 4:20 PM ET, with EPS of $2.87 and revenue of $92.02 billion. Ross Stores raised its FY2026 GAAP EPS guidance from $7.50-$7.74 to $8.61-$8.77.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.87 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.72 percent, and the Russell 2000 is down 1.34 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.04 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.01 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.63 percent. Volatility and commodities: the VIX is at 16, up 7.45 percent, WTI crude is up 2.68 percent, and gold is up 0.85 percent.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.81 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.66 percent, Dow futures is down 1.26 percent and Russell futures is down 1.29 percent.
Wells Fargo shares are at $83.70, a seven-week low. The stock has declined 4.55% over the past four weeks.
WMT has been upgraded to Buy from Hold by Hammerstone MarketTalk. They set a price target of $124.
A MOC imbalance is reported toward the sale side totaling $300 million. NVIDIA states that an information report on the company's LPU is incorrect.
Multiple companies announce reverse stock splits for Friday, August 21st, including BTOG, ELAB, SMTK, SCNI, LIMN, and XCH, with ratios from 1-for-5 to 1-for-50. Additionally, a U.S. appeals court rejected the Transportation Department's effort to unwind the Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico joint venture.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.77 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.71 percent, Dow futures is down 1.25 percent and Russell futures is down 1.35 percent.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.75 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.72 percent, and the Russell 2000 is down 1.3 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.05 percent, euro dollar is down 0.02 percent, and dollar yen is up 0.65 percent. Volatility and commodities: the VIX is at 16.09, up 8.06 percent, WTI crude is up 2.71 percent, and gold is up 0.79 percent.
U.S. public debt has crossed $40 trillion for the first time. The 30-year Treasury yield is at 5.337%, and Treasury has boosted buyback operations for 10- to 30-year securities.
SAFX/XCF Global reports surpassing approximately one million dollars in initial commercial revenue from its New Rise Renewables Facility. Separately, Powerus, trading as PUSA, secured a 22.3 million dollar commercial contract to protect U.S. oil interests and critical energy infrastructure in the Middle East.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.75 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.83 percent, Dow futures is down 1.21 percent and Russell futures is down 1.4 percent.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.73 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.83 percent, and Russell futures is down 1.43 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.06 percent, euro dollar is down 0.04 percent, and dollar yen is up 0.67 percent. Treasury yields are higher: the 10-year yield is at 4.7 percent, up 4.7 basis points. Volatility and commodities: the VIX is at 16.01, up 7.52 percent, WTI crude is up 2.95 percent, and gold is up 0.77 percent.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.72 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.96 percent, Dow futures is down 1.14 percent and Russell futures is down 1.41 percent.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.73 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 1 percent, and the Russell 2000 is down 1.33 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.08 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.03 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.65 percent. Treasury yields are higher: the five-year yield is at 4.389 percent, up 3.6 basis points, the 10-year yield is at 4.7 percent, up 4.7 basis points, and the 30-year yield is at 5.243 percent, up 4.9 basis points. Volatility is elevated with the VIX at 16, up 7.45 percent. In commodities, WTI crude is up 2.95 percent and gold is up 0.69 percent. Volume leaders in the S&P 500 include PCG, INTC, NVDA, WMT, and SMCI. For the Nasdaq 100, INTC, NVDA, WMT, EA, and MSTR are seeing significant volume. Dow volume leaders are NVDA, WMT, AAPL, AMZN, and KO.
NYMEX September gasoline futures settled at $3.2629 a gallon. XRP is up 14.78%, with Bitcoin rising 4.99% and Ether 3.55%. Drone companies and Trump administration leaders met for the first White House 'Drone Dominance' meeting.
Coking coal is up 9.59%, Natural Gas UK rises 3.78%, Natural Gas EU 2.84%, WTI crude 2.52%, and Brent 1.96%. Natural gas is down 3.28%. A magnitude 6.53 earthquake struck Central Peru.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.59 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.75 percent, Dow futures is down 1.07 percent and Russell futures is down 1.37 percent.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.69 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.96 percent, and the Russell 2000 is down 1.26 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.06 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.04 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.62 percent. Treasury yields are higher: the five-year yield is at 4.389 percent, up 3.6 basis points, the 10-year yield is at 4.698 percent, up 4.5 basis points, and the 30-year yield is at 5.24 percent, up 4.6 basis points. Volatility is elevated with the VIX at 15.8, up 6.11 percent. WTI crude is up 2.56 percent and gold is up 0.68 percent.
The US EPA, in consultation with the DOE, will expand gasoline supply to lower prices at the pump. The EPA states its waivers starting September 1 will allow the sale of E10 gasoline nationwide. The US Energy Department confirms its actions will remain in place through September 15, 2026.
The US EPA will expand gasoline supply to lower pump prices, according to the agency, in consultation with the Department of Energy.
Israel's envoy to the US, Yechiel, states Israel is not seeking escalation or war with Turkey or Syria, but that a red line was crossed. Separately, Anthropic is preparing an IPO filing as soon as the end of August, according to sources.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.55 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.72 percent, Dow futures is down 0.95 percent and Russell futures is down 1.38 percent.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.6 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.77 percent, and the Russell 2000 is down 1.33 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.07 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.07 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.63 percent. Treasury yields are higher: the five-year yield is at 4.389 percent, up 3.6 basis points, the 10-year yield is at 4.702 percent, up 4.9 basis points, and the 30-year yield is at 5.247 percent, up 5.3 basis points. The VIX is at 15.82, up 6.25 percent. WTI crude is up 2.51 percent and gold is up 0.6 percent.
Bitcoin is trading above $70,000, having risen more than 3% today to touch $72,000. This follows U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs drawing $517.2 million on Wednesday, led by IBIT with roughly $284.7 million.
U.S. residential starts fell 12.4% in July to a 1.239 million annualized pace, below the 1.35 million estimate. SPY trades at session lows, down 0.52% to 7688.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.38 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.45 percent, Dow futures is down 0.76 percent and Russell futures is down 1.16 percent.
Cross-asset desk update. US equities are lower: the S and P 500 is down 0.42 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.57 percent and the Russell 2000 is down 1.14 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.07 percent, euro dollar is down 0.06 percent and dollar yen is up 0.57 percent. Treasury yields are higher: the five-year yield is at 4.39 percent, up 3.7 basis points, the 10-year yield is at 4.702 percent, up 4.9 basis points and the 30-year yield is at 5.246 percent, up 5.2 basis points. Volatility and commodities: the VIX is at 15.64, up 5.04 percent, WTI crude is up 2.11 percent and gold is up 0.47 percent.
GWH ess tech announces a $3.2 million registered direct offering. NVIDIA plans small-batch shipments of an AI chip tailored for Chinese customers by year-end.
The US 30-year TIPS auction cleared at a 2.973% high yield, above the previous 2.473%. The Fed reports U.S. seasonally adjusted commercial paper outstanding climbed $12.5 billion in the August 19th week. L Catterton will acquire a majority stake in Japan adviser Financial Standard by October.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an increase in the maximum size of 10- to 30-year government bond repurchases, from $2 billion to at least $4 billion per operation. Separately, The Information reports that Anthropic's enterprise AI venture is acquiring a consultancy.
Germany's economy ministry states that 60 to 70% gas storage at the start of winter, combined with extra import capacity, typically covers average demand. However, this level implies a limited buffer if disruptions impact Europe's largest energy consumer.
Oil is trading higher after President Trump called for heavy economic actions on Iran and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called for tough sanctions and maximum economic pressure. The DOJ has filed that the judge should not schedule an emergency hearing in a Disney lawsuit tied to a license renewal proceeding.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.44 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.66 percent, Dow futures is down 0.83 percent and Russell futures is down 1.27 percent.
Cross-asset desk update. US equities are lower: the S and P 500 is down 0.41 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.63 percent and Russell futures is down 1.23 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.05 percent, euro dollar is down 0.06 percent and dollar yen is up 0.61 percent. Volatility and commodities: WTI crude is up 2.58 percent and gold is up 0.37 percent.
French CPI YoY NSA Prelim and French CPI MoM NSA Prelim have been released. Japan's unemployment rate data has also been reported.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.46 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.63 percent, Dow futures is down 0.84 percent and Russell futures is down 1.22 percent.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.39 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.61 percent, and the Russell 2000 is down 1.16 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is steady; the dollar index is unchanged at 0 percent, euro dollar is unchanged at 0 percent, and dollar yen is up 0.52 percent. Treasury yields are higher: the five-year yield is at 4.401 percent, up 4.8 basis points, the 10-year yield is at 4.708 percent, up 5.5 basis points, and the 30-year yield is at 5.249 percent, up 5.5 basis points. Volatility and commodities: the VIX is at 15.89, up 6.72 percent, WTI crude is up 2.36 percent, and gold is up 0.73 percent.
European cash markets finished mixed: the Euro Stoxx 50 closed down 0.35 percent, the DAX closed down 0.42 percent, the FTSE 100 closed up 0.04 percent and the FTSE MIB closed up 0.09 percent. UK volume leaders were Lloyds Banking Group down 0.54 percent, Barclays down 1.43 percent, BP up 2.39 percent, Shell up 0.57 percent and HSBC up 0.36 percent. continental European volume leaders were UBS down 0.37 percent, Deutsche Telekom down 1.58 percent, Novartis down 0.61 percent, Sanofi down 0.98 percent and LVMH down 2.83 percent.
Joseph Reda has filed an SC 13G for XXII, disclosing a 9.97% beneficial ownership stake. Separately, Deere shares are up 9.3%. Digi Power X Inc. CEO Amar Michel P reports a Form 4P transaction for 20,000 shares at $3.6.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.35 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.56 percent, Dow futures is down 0.71 percent and Russell futures is down 1.1 percent.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.43 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.75 percent, and the Russell 2000 is down 0.97 percent. In FX, the dollar is softer, with the dollar index down 0.02 percent, EUR/USD down 0.02 percent, and USD/JPY up 0.53 percent. Treasury yields are higher across the curve: the 5-year yield is at 4.387 percent, up 3.4 basis points; the 10-year yield is at 4.702 percent, up 4.9 basis points; and the 30-year yield is at 5.255 percent, up 6.1 basis points. The VIX is at 15.78, up 5.98 percent. WTI crude is up 2.49 percent, and gold is up 0.83 percent.
Fed's Musalem states current rates lower the odds of 2% inflation, and that hiking now could avoid more aggressive action later. Musalem also noted that Super El Nino might be the next supply shock. Separately, Progressive shares reached a 5-week high at 223.24 USD.
Fed's Musalem states current Fed rates imply a lower probability of getting inflation to 2%. He argues hiking rates now could avoid more aggressive action later.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent states the US is unlikely to restart large-scale combat with Iran. Bessent also notes that Europe needs to follow the Draghi report and that many corporate bond issues are yield agnostic.
Cross-asset desk update. US equities are lower: the S and P 500 is down 0.33 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.55 percent and the Russell 2000 is down 0.79 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is softer; the dollar index is down 0.07 percent, euro dollar is up 0.03 percent and dollar yen is up 0.42 percent. Treasury yields are higher: the five-year yield is at 4.38 percent, up 2.7 basis points, the 10-year yield is at 4.684 percent, up 3.1 basis points and the 30-year yield is at 5.225 percent, up 3.1 basis points. Volatility and commodities: the VIX is at 15.58, up 4.63 percent, WTI crude is up 2.05 percent and gold is up 0.81 percent.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.23 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.45 percent, Dow futures is down 0.53 percent and Russell futures is down 0.78 percent.
Treasury Secretary Bessent will hold a press conference on Monday to discuss actions related to Iran. Bessent also stated that yields do not reflect underlying fundamentals, and buyback operations could exceed $4 billion per issue.
Treasury Secretary Bessent states a Treasury bond buyback could exceed four billion dollars, noting part of it is signaling and that buybacks are in a thinly traded area of the market.
TREO Tactical Resources begins trading on Nasdaq under the ticker TREO. Separately, Russia states it hit two cargo vessels in Ukraine's Chornomorsk. The S&P 500 is up.
Breaking. Iran’s Foreign Ministry, as reported by IRIB, says it will use all available tools and capacities to defend Iranian people’s dignity and protect national interests in response to US sanctions.
Rocket Lab successfully launched its 93rd Electron mission. Cocoa futures are trading above $5,900 per tonne, near a one-month high. Strive Enterprises reported in a Form 8-K filing that it bought 79 Bitcoin between August 10th and 14th at an average price of $63,231, bringing total holdings to 20,246 BTC.
Breaking. The US national debt has topped $40 trillion, five months after crossing $39 trillion. The debt currently stands at $40,051,643,535,047.
Here is what changed in the last few minutes. MMA completes $4 million private placement at $1.00 a share. Trump backs compliant U.S. path for Hyperliquid exchange. Schiff Calls Bitcoin Surge a Fakeout, Backs Gold Over BTC. The next scheduled risk is The President participates in a Policy Meeting at 15:00 UTC.
US equities are lower: the S&P 500 is down 0.25 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.35 percent, and Russell futures are down 1.11 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar index is down 0.02 percent, EUR/USD is up 0.02 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.43 percent. Treasury yields are higher, with the 10-year yield at 4.69 percent, up 3.7 basis points. The VIX is at 15.85, up 6.45 percent. WTI crude is up 1.92 percent, and gold is up 0.08 percent.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.39 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.59 percent, Dow futures is down 0.7 percent and Russell futures is down 1.11 percent.
Miners seeing highs off strength in Gold and Silver. The next scheduled risk is The President participates in a Policy Meeting at 15:00 UTC.
The EIA Natural Gas Report shows 16 billion cubic feet, compared to an expected 15 billion cubic feet. Additionally, the U.S. State Department approved a potential sale of KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft to Qatar, valued at an estimated $4.50 billion, with RTX and Boeing involved.
The US will award $500 million in grants for minerals projects to seven companies. No further details are provided.
Commercial National Financial, ticker CNAF, has authorized a stock repurchase program. No repurchase size or timing details are provided. In energy, oil is seeing a small downtick.
The 10-year Treasury yield, around 4.7%, now exceeds dividend yields at 118 U.S. companies with market values above $100 billion, including Apple, Alphabet, and Nvidia. Separately, SPCX is down 4.4% following an IPO lock-up release. CrowdStrike shares are edging lower on reports of their Global CTO's departure.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.3 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.49 percent, Dow futures is down 0.67 percent and Russell futures is down 0.98 percent.
Cross-asset desk update. US equities are lower: the S and P 500 is down 0.33 percent, the Nasdaq 100 is down 0.43 percent and the Russell 2000 is down 0.75 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.02 percent, euro dollar is down 0.04 percent and dollar yen is up 0.46 percent. Treasury yields are higher: the five-year yield is at 4.394 percent, up 4.1 basis points, the 10-year yield is at 4.696 percent, up 4.3 basis points and the 30-year yield is at 5.24 percent, up 4.6 basis points. Volatility and commodities: the VIX is at 15.69, up 5.37 percent, WTI crude is up 2.42 percent and gold is down 0.14 percent.
Yemeni forces targeted Najran airport and Aramco oil facilities with attack drones. Strategy Inc. shares are trading higher as Bitcoin breaks above $71,000 after the White House crypto summit.
The Conference Board reports U.S. July leading economic indicators increased 0.2%, with the index at 99.5. This compares to a consensus of 0.1% and a June figure revised to -0.1%. Separately, Houthis say they attacked Saudi targets in Najran, including Aramco.
Google Threat Intelligence reports tracking three distinct suspected Russian cyber espionage threat clusters. Separately, Waymo is partnering with AMD, Micron, Nvidia, Samsung, Sandisk, Socionext, and TSMC for autonomous computing systems, introducing a purpose-built 5nm ASIC. The Trump administration plans to back US minerals projects with $500 million in grants, with Lilac Solutions, Jervois, and Nth Cycle each set to receive $100 million.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index is trading below 36,500. Chubb shares are at a four-week low of $340.68.
SquawkNews LiveCast Briefs are informational market commentary, not investment advice. Facts may be corrected as verified information changes.