A chronological text record of the AI Market Commentator: important releases, breaking developments, market reactions and concise context for the trading day.
The US Dollar Index trades around 98.8, on track to lose nearly 1% for the week. Australian shares are inching lower near 9,071 around midday, set for a second straight weekly decline.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.05 percent, Nasdaq futures is up 0.15 percent, Dow futures is up 0.02 percent and Russell futures is up 0.18 percent.
US equity futures are higher: S&P futures are up 0.05%, Nasdaq futures are up 0.15%, and Russell futures are up 0.18%. In FX, the Dollar Index is down 0.13%, with EUR/USD up 0.1% and USD/JPY down 0.04%. WTI crude is down 0.33%, while gold is up 0.32%.
China's National Energy Administration reports July electricity use rose 1.7% year-on-year to 1,040 billion kilowatt-hours.
The South Korean won is up 1% against the U.S. dollar.
The South Korean won is trading at 1384.00 per USD, its highest level since September 2025. This marks a 6.21% decline in USD/KRW over four weeks, though it is up 0.09% over 12 months. The Bank of Korea states its policy decisions will weigh growth, inflation, financial stability, and rate-hike side effects, with flexibility if needed.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.05 percent, Nasdaq futures is up 0.1 percent, Dow futures is up 0.04 percent and Russell futures is up 0.15 percent.
US equity futures are higher: S&P futures are up 0.05%, Nasdaq futures are up 0.1%, and Russell futures are up 0.15%. In FX, the dollar index is down 0.06%, with EUR/USD up 0.06% and USD/JPY up 0.05%. WTI crude is down 0.48% and gold is down 0.11%.
Japanese shares are lower. The Nikkei 225 fell 0.7% below 66,000, and the Topix dropped 0.25% to around 4,050.
South Korea's finance minister states the government will address FX market volatility.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.04 percent, Nasdaq futures is up 0.04 percent, Dow futures is up 0.07 percent and Russell futures is up 0.16 percent.
US equity futures are higher: S&P futures are up 0.05%, Nasdaq futures are up 0.06%, and Russell futures are up 0.15%. In FX, the US Dollar Index is down 0.1%, with EUR/USD up 0.07% and USD/JPY up 0.03%. WTI crude is down 0.75% and gold is unchanged.
Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Nvidia face lawsuits alleging they used thousands of hours of human voices without permission to train AI.
Bank of Korea deputy governor Kwon says growth is advancing more than anticipated.
Kwon states inflation is surpassing target and financial stability risks persist. Japan's S&P Global August flash manufacturing PMI rose to 55.1, up from 54.5 in July. South Korea's exports increased 56% year-on-year in the August 1-20 period.
The China PBOC is likely to set the yuan midpoint at 6.7262 per dollar. Separately, silver is trading above $68 an ounce, on course for a third straight weekly gain.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.05 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.01 percent, Dow futures is up 0.07 percent and Russell futures is up 0.13 percent.
US equity futures are mixed: S&P futures are up 0.05 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.01 percent, and Russell futures are up 0.13 percent. In FX, the dollar index is down 0.11 percent, with EUR/USD up 0.09 percent and USD/JPY down 0.03 percent. WTI crude is down 0.76 percent, and gold is up 0.26 percent.
SquawkNews LiveCast Briefs are informational market commentary, not investment advice. Facts may be corrected as verified information changes.